An exhibition by a Polish photographer about children of war was presented in Odessa

A photo exhibition by Polish documentary photographer Patrick Jaracz, titled “Safe Space: Reclaiming Childhood,” has opened in Odesa. The project is dedicated to children and families affected by the war.

Intent correspondents visited the exhibition. 

The exhibition features photographs from retreat camps where, in the summer of 2026, more than 5,000 participants received psychosocial support and the opportunity to return to normal life.

Through his photographs, Polish documentary photographer Patryk Jaracz captures the everyday lives of children and teenagers who continue to be children despite the war. The images show no fighting or explosions, but the war is evident in the children’s sad eyes and the weary faces of their mothers. Despite this, the photographs remind us that even in difficult times, there is room for children’s laughter, friendship, and joy.

On September 14–16, 2026, four Psychosocial Support Centers were opened in the Odesa region—in Odesa, Safyany, Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, and Berezivka. They were established to provide accessible and comprehensive assistance to people who have experienced the trauma of war, including male and female veterans, military personnel, their family members, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, and other community members.

As reported by Intent, in Odesa, photographer Oleksandra Zlunytska and choreographer Olesia Shlyakhtych presented the black-and-white photo project “Terpsichore’s Dreams.” The photos were taken directly on the roof of the Odesa National Opera.

Юлія Калабайда