Documentary photographer examines Chornobyl's enduring aftereffects

by Andrew Nynka

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Twenty-two-year-old Connecticut-born Joseph Sywenkyj has seen firsthand the consequences of Chornobyl's nuclear fallout on victims in the affected region. During the United Nations 10th conference on "Health and the Environment," Mr. Sywenkyj's photographs of Chornobyl's aftereffects were prominently displayed as an emotional reminder of the world's worst civilian nuclear catastrophe.

In an interview he described some of his personal experiences, emotions and the story of how photography has become his life's calling.

From dance to photography

Mr. Sywenkyj was awarded a scholarship during his senior year to Walnut Hill performing arts high school in Natick, Mass., where he majored in classical ballet and modern dance. He has studied Ukrainian folk dancing for over 15 years.

At the age of 18 Mr. Sywenkyj had traveled to Kyiv in order to study with the Virsky dance ensemble. After an injury brought him back to the United States, Mr. Sywenkyj developed an interest in photography. "Being a dancer since I was 4 years old, the injury sent me looking for another way to express myself," he noted.

Mr. Sywenkyj is currently in his third year at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he is studying documentary photography.

Before his Chornobyl project in Ukraine, Mr. Sywenkyj was working on assignments for class, documenting what family members go through as they struggle with disease. "It's been quite a jump this last year. Everything has been moving fast," he commented.

When asked what it was that attracted him to photography, Mr. Sywenkyj admited: "Photography can burn a still image into a person's head. It captures an icon - a moment."

Mr. Sywenkyj continued: "I hope I can be a messenger that creates a dialogue - that stirs action in people."

A fateful meeting

"When I was in high school I met Alex Kuzma, executive director of the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund (CCRF)," said Mr. Sywenkyj. "I approached CCRF about going to Ukraine in order to take some documentary pictures of the disaster, and they liked the idea but basically said we can't afford it."

But CCRF did offer Mr. Sywenkyj a part-time job as a summer intern. "After working there for the summer and mentioning my photography, I finally showed them my work. Their response was basically: pack your things, you're going," related Mr. Sywenkyj.

With only two weeks' notice, Mr. Sywenkyj prepared himself for his third trip to Ukraine.

"I thought it was important to show the decimation of this once beautiful land," Mr. Sywenkyj said of his Chornobyl project. "Some of these children are obviously mentally and physically affected by the catastrophe, but others do not seem to have any problems. It was so emotional for me to meet these children," he continued.

"No matter what their condition, the minute I showed up it was something new for them. Something interesting. I think it broke up the monotony of their everyday routine. In general, most of the people were flattered and really happy about it. They felt as though someone was paying attention to them," he said.

Asked to recall a stirring emotional moment or image that remains in his mind from his trip, Mr. Sywenkyj remembered a moment in Lviv: "A young patient was wearing this mask and as I was preparing to take her picture, her mother removed the mask. I pleaded with the young girl's mother to keep it on because I thought it was an important picture, but she wouldn't allow it."

Asked to explain why this picture was important, Mr. Sywenkyj replied: "I consider my photography as looking at aspects of humanity - the human condition. This was an important moment because it showed the young girl in her present condition and it did it in a way that had a strong impact. I was hoping to capture that."

"Some people use the camera as a wall by which they can separate themselves from what they're taking pictures of. I like to think of it as a door to bring me closer to people," Mr. Sywenkyj commented. "It brings me into a person. And when I'm close to them I can capture what they're feeling."

Once in Ukraine Mr. Sywenkyj traveled mostly on his own. "It's been very interesting, traveling through Ukraine. It's sad in a way, but an individual could probably get across the country for under $10," he related.

Mr. Sywenkyj did not stay in hotels, but on the premises where he was working. He readily admits that without the help of CCRF, "I would not have had the access to the hospitals, orphanages or the families with which I stayed."

"It's true," Mr. Sywenkyj added, "if you were just someone trying to get around that area without clearance from different departments, you wouldn't be able to get anywhere."

He continued, "My age was a factor. Sometimes it was tough for my contacts to believe that the person they were going to meet was so young, but I think we got over that. Thanks are due to CCRF, who obtained clearance for me and arranged for me to see the various hospitals and orphanages."

"I've been really blown away by the amount of work CCRF has done," he underscored. "I've met people who have been saved through their equipment, or if not saved at least given a chance at survival or a better life."

When asked what the future holds, Mr. Sywenkyj replied that photography is his life "100 percent."

Even with all of this happening within the past year in his life, Mr. Sywenkyj is already planning another trip to the Odesa region in order to work on the issue of the HIV crisis in Ukraine.

Mr. Sywenkyj's photography will be on exhibit at the following venues:

Individuals looking for information, or who have questions for Mr. Sywenkyj, may contact him via e-mail: [email protected].

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 24, 2001, No. 25, Vol. LXIX

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