Renowned documentary photographer and storyteller Patrick Patterson has returned from the war in Ukraine with a powerful collection of photographs and survivor narratives, providing a poignant glimpse into the lives of Ukrainians devastated by Russian aggression and war crimes.

"My hope for these photographs and the narratives of the survivors is that I can provide a window into the lives of Ukrainians whose existence has been brutally shattered by war," explains Patterson. Through gallery exhibitions and speaking engagements, he seeks to challenge preconceived notions and stimulate dialogue on the urgent need for justice and peace.

Patterson's journey began in March of 2022 when he traveled to Medyka, a small Polish village situated at the Ukraine border. After documenting one of the largest refugee crises since the Second World War, Patterson relocated to Ukraine to shed light on the experiences of Ukrainians living under Russian occupation.

Having spent over a year living in war-torn Ukraine, Patterson has witnessed the best and worst of humanity. From moments of respite when the war seemed distant, to times when its brutality was inescapable, he has come to understand what it means to be human, embracing the fragility of life and the value it holds.

Patterson's unique approach transcends the traditional depiction of battlefields, soldiers, and war machinery. Instead, he amplifies the voices of those who have been deprived of their own. Through his lens, he captures the destruction of life and environment that accompanies war, striving to foster empathy and understanding among viewers.

With a longstanding dedication to document human rights and conflict, Patterson believes in the transformative power of photographic narratives to affect change and give voice to the unheard. “Each photograph is a document, evidence that someone or something has been seen,” he says. His work in Ukraine has recently been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered and in the Boston Globe

In-Person Program. Registration Required.