Anastasiia Mietielieva (Brunnen)

I was born in Zaporizhzhia, in a small house. As long as I can remember from my childhood, it was always noisy at our place. A large family.

Now, after many years, I don't often visit that house. My life turned upside down because of photography. It is my language. And so, whenever I have the opportunity to be there, I always look through the family archives in the old drawer under the TV, where many people keep documents, albums, and other things. Last time I found wonderful negatives of our family, they were lying in a file next to printed photos. They depicted people who, unfortunately, are no longer with us. A lot has changed since childhood, but the most painful is when they were buried. Almost everyone whose noise I heard in that house.

I remember, we always remembered them both on their birthdays and on the day of their death. Everyone was sad and drank. Would the angels want this? Such a memory? I thought not. I always felt that this was wrong. I want them to live in our memory not just two days a year. My guardian angels.

Dedicated to: mom, dad, uncle, and godmother.

The photos were printed using the old analog method and then rescanned after manipulations.

The project was created during the war in 2022. This year has become the most difficult in the lives of Ukrainians. Despite everything, we continue to develop our nation, culture, and country.

The project "Two Minutes to Three" was born in two cities: Bratislava and Lviv. It is about me and my husband. 2022 brought us together and allowed us to build a family.

It should have been a perfect week in our lives: a white suit, a groom, flowers, a wedding… But the war had other plans. Indeed, it was incredibly hard when we should have been preparing for the wedding, but instead, we found ourselves unable to tear our eyes away from the news as rockets were hitting our city and homes. Later, you found yourself walking around Lviv without light and communication because Russian troops had damaged the power plant.

However, despite everything, I thank the Universe for having my husband by my side. I would have lost my mind if he had been so far away during these days.

On the last day in Lviv, I asked my husband:

"What time is it?"
"Two minutes to three."
At three o'clock, I had a bus abroad, and you were to take a train to Zaporizhzhia. We parted ways to fight on our respective fronts.

You and I are in this together, my friend, more closely than ever before. In just an hour, it will mark two full years since our city was plunged into a full-scale war. I still vividly recall that day when my grandmother called me in a panic, describing how you were terrified by the sound of rockets and sought refuge under our old cast-iron bathtub. It was in that moment of sheer fear that we made the crucial decision to move you to Europe, hoping for safety and a sense of normalcy.

Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for your unwavering support and presence here. In a world that feels increasingly alien, there is no one else who understands me and stands by me as you do. Your companionship is a source of immense comfort and strength in these challenging times.

I want you to know that I am committed to ensuring that you feel calm, comfortable, and secure here. I will do everything in my power to create a sense of stability and peace for you, just as you have provided for me. Together, we will navigate through these trying times, supporting each other every step of the way.

I created a photo project titled "Empathy Theory" that deeply explores the personal and emotional bond between me and my dog, Richard. This project aims to investigate and visualize the unique connection that exists between us and how Richard intuitively senses my emotions and moods.

The project was captured using a surveillance camera equipped with a night vision filter. This choice of equipment allowed for an unusual visual experience that highlights the intimacy and distinctiveness of our interactions during the night. Night vision symbolizes the invisible connection between us and how Richard becomes my indispensable companion and support even when external light fades away.

"Empathy Theory" showcases moments when Richard perceives mood changes and emotional fluctuations. These images reveal how he responds to my feelings and provides support in challenging times. His ability to sense and reflect my emotions, whether I am in stressful situations or facing difficult periods, becomes apparent in these shots. The project captures both moments of simple presence and active support, showing how he becomes a source of comfort and understanding.

The photographs illustrate how Richard intuitively understands when I need reassurance, how he strives to be close, and how his presence brings solace and support. The use of night vision adds an element of mystery and depth, emphasizing that the connection between us extends beyond the visible and tangible.

This project is an attempt to capture and share how my dog and I mutually support each other, exploring the boundaries of empathy and demonstrating how significant the bond between a person and their four-legged friend can be.