Images of Flight in the Ukraine War

Authors

• Marjut Louhesto Helsingin yliopisto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33345/idantutkimus.148618

Keywords:

witnessing, Ukraine war, photographs, visual culture, media

Abstract

In this article, I analyze the photographs depicting flight from the war in Ukraine and the associated witnessing in three photo essays by The Guardian (2022–2023). 23 photographs in the essays focus on flight. I categorize and analyze these photographs through their visual content and dominant themes. Flight is represented in three ways: crowds, evacuation, and refugeeism. I explore how the photographs guide viewers into specific witnessing positions, defined as a more profound, participatory and responsible way of looking that transforms viewers into active participants in the war’s events (cf. Kyriakidou 2015). The depicted war events compel viewers to take action to alleviate suffering. According to my analysis, photographs of fleeing guide the viewer towards detached, humanitarian, ecstatic, or affective witnessing positions. These positions aim to influence the viewer, with goals such as supporting Ukraine, providing financial aid, or fostering positive attitude towards refugees.

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