Nashe Place, a community project that recently organized a cleanup event, is gearing up for several exciting events this fall. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, the team has invited several specialists to join them. One of them is Veronika Mol, a Ukrainian artist who specializes in instant photography. As part of her preparations for her upcoming event, Veronika conducted a photography workshop for children at a camp in Makariv.
In this article, we'll tell you more about Veronika and her workshop and show you how it unfolded.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I've been involved in art photography since 2021, with a particular focus on instant photography using Polaroid and Instax cameras. I love to work on the developed frame, treating the image as an object rather than leaving it as just a photo. To achieve this, I use paint, scissors, a stapler (my favorite tool), fire – anything, the field for experimentation is wide.
How did you get involved in the project? Do you have a personal interest in it?
I was invited for an experimental creative residency. I'm working on an exhibition as part of the project together with the director of the Makariv Local History Museum. My personal interest lies in better understanding the experiences of people living in occupied territories.
What is the idea behind your workshop?
The idea is simple: instant photography brings genuine joy, even to adults, not to mention children. So, I decided to introduce children to instant print cameras, give them the opportunity to practise, and capture the last day of their camp with a few Polaroid shots.
Who attended your workshop?
It took place within a children's camp for the children of defenders and volunteers of the Makariv community, so it was more like I came to them. The children ranged from 6 to 15 years old. I collected cameras for practice from my colleagues and friends (sincerely grateful to everyone who participated), found a way to get film for the event, gave a brief lecture, and distributed cameras to the children. Alexandra (Savchenko, educator and participant of the Nashe Place project) helped me with moderation and reflection after the practice.
Was there anything unexpected?
I didn't expect that many children would want to photograph me or take pictures with me. I had forgotten about this wonderful childlike immediacy in interacting with people you've known for just an hour.
What surprised you the most? What made you happy?
I was both surprised and delighted that some of the children were already volunteers themselves – making crafts, drawing pictures, conducting games and auctions. This was very important to them. I realized that I hadn't thought about it at all because I don't have my own children and don't understand how they experience the effects of war.
What stands out most in your memory?
A boy named Kyrylo, who wasn't actually a part of this camp but lived nearby and visited every day. He was a bit of a troublemaker and very aggressive with the other kids. I had a spare camera, so I let him practice with it. His shots were very chaotic, very blurry, with artifacts (because he bent the frame during development) – everything just as I like it. He was the only one who signed every shot on the front side with his name. And he gave all the photos to everyone. Although he later took them back.
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Learn more about Veronica and her work here.
