Veronika Mol was born in 1994 in Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi, Cherkasy region. She graduated from Cherkasy National University named after Bohdan Khmelnytsky in 2015, specializing in publishing and editing. Since 2014 she has been living and working in Kyiv. She started doing photography in 2020. Veronika is a member of the MYPH group. The artist participated in exhibitions in Ukraine, USA, Israel, Austria, Hungary, Norway.
Works with analog photography, in particular instant cameras. The artist’s inspiration stems from the process of developed film: its cutting, firing or staple fastening etc., that satisfies her endless curiosity.
In January of 2022, in search of an authentic Malanka celebration, I went to the village of Krasnoilsk, which is located 8km from the border with Romania. Malanka is a Ukrainian folk and church holiday, an evening before the "old" New Year. This rite includes the traditional disguise of animals and folk characters, acting out special scenes, dancing, and singing with orchestras. The procession lasts an entire day without a break for sleep. It is impossible to convey what I felt during this mystical experience. It awakened in me something so wild and real, so chaotic and sincere. It’s what this holiday for the people of Krasnoilsk really is.
Voyeur Through the Looking-Glass (2022)
In my project "Voyeur Through the Looking-Glass" I'm challenging the traditional role of the photographer as an observer and instead placing himself or herself as an active participant within the photographs.
This series captures moments of intimacy, vulnerability, and interconnectedness between humans and nature. They go beyond the surface-level depiction of the body and serve as powerful symbols that evoke a deeper understanding of our relationship with the environment. The mirror room itself acts as a metaphorical space where reflections and self-awareness merge.
War Contour (2022 - in progress)
On February 24th of 2022, I woke up at 5 AM to the sounds of explosions flying over Kyiv. For the first time in my life, I felt a real fear – an animalistic fear for my life. The first thing we did with my partner was to tape the windows of our apartment. Then I picked up a Polaroid and took a photo. I even scanned it. It was so mechanical, yet I couldn't help it. Within a few hours we left the city on foot, as traffic jams on all exits from Kyiv were heavy, and the city continued to be bombed. I only took the essentials with me, because I wasn’t able to take everything. A Polaroid camera and a supply of film were among these things.
Art has become my salvation. I will not say that it becomes easier for me when I take photos or work with developed film. It does not. Usually, it’s the contrary, I feel very exhausted when I finish work. You can witness different objects in the pictures – but they are all about my own experiences and living with this excruciating pain. These Polaroids allow me to speak where my words are lost.
