Sunshine, How Are You?

Sunshine, How Are You? is a personal exploration of childhood memories and the enduring impact of the post-Soviet era on my sense of identity. Born in the east of Ukraine, five years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, I was often told I was fortunate to have missed the hardships of Soviet rule. However, as I grew older, I began grappling with a profound sense of disorientation and uncertainty about my identity, akin to the elusive sense of self experienced by a Soviet citizen. Caught between the remnants of Soviet influence and my own evolving sense of self, this project represents my process of emotional and cultural renewal in the face of a lingering past.

My childhood was a blend of joy and discipline, moments of climbing trees and enjoying my mother’s sour cherry varenyky intertwined with the strict, lingering structures of Soviet values. The weight of this past, still carried by my family, teachers, and community, shaped my early years. Despite the Soviet Union’s dissolution, the oppressive influence of our neighbour endures, now magnified by the war that has forced me away from my family and home.

Through photography, I de-construct and re-construct fragments of my past, re-contextualising them as I redefine my identity, femininity, and cultural heritage. Each image serves as a piece in the puzzle of my self-discovery, reflecting on how memories shape and transform our understanding of who we are.

This series explores how memories are preserved, distorted, and altered over time, serving both as an introspective reflection and as a portrayal of a generation coming of age in the post-Soviet world. While addressing generational traumas, it also reclaims Ukrainian identity from the shadows of Russian colonialism.

Varvara Uhlik was part of Face-to-Face: Arles Edition 2024.