I am. Rada
2018-2022

I am Katya Lesiv, a Ukrainian artist. Rada is the name of my daughter. Rada in Ukrainian means “happy” “satisfied”.

A photographic series  “I am. Rada” is a way of witnessing presence, body, state. Starting from my pregnancy I’ve felt an intuitive, physical need for documenting the present state at a certain point in time. The distance created by the act of photography has also given a stable feeling of I AM, relief. 

 

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, I have lived through the experience of war primarily through motherhood. This is potentially a great vulnerability, but also a great strength. The feeling of presence in motherhood turned out to be a very powerful support.