Written by Trip Avis

Adolescence and early adulthood are a fraught experience for anyone; it is filled with significant life changes, hormonal imbalances, and inner turmoil. Despite these highs and lows, something unique and exciting emerges: a sense of hope, new ideas, and a drive for change. As we age, we become jaded or too accustomed to the status quo, allowing the world to flatten us and sap our inspiration. For the youth of Ukraine, living in the shadow of a long-winded and destructive war with neighboring oppressor, Russia threatens to crush their spirits. However, photojournalist and Smith Fund 2023 Finalist Award Grant Recipient Fabian Ritter sees a wellspring of resilience bubbling consistently beneath the daily onslaught of despair: “Young people all over the world often have progressive and exciting perspectives that are not listened to very much. In Ukraine, I have repeatedly met committed young people who are trying to make the best of their difficult situation and who have innovative ideas about society and politics in Ukraine.”

Ritter captures this infectious hope and continuance in the face of adversity through his celebrated project, Youth of Ukraine. He documents young people learning and living their lives, which is relatable to anyone who has aged beyond youth. We may not all have to find ways to rebuild and reshape our lives amid war, but we must all learn to press forward to become the people we want to be despite the challenges life throws our way. Ritter’s photographs, with their universal appeal, run the gamut between the playful and benign and the harrowing and moving. One image features a group of concertgoers at a punk rock concert The sweaty crush of bodies, heads thrown back in pleasure, and self-expression through tattoos, painted nails, and brightly dyed hair all exude a sense of immediacy and letting loose.

In jarring juxtaposition to this youthful exuberance, Fabian Ritter lenses a squad of young soldiers—freedom fighters—their camouflage uniforms silhouetted against the color-leaching white snow. Crisply in focus compared to the almost impressionistic and ghostly background, the soldiers raise their guns toward an unseen adversary. It is a stirring image that is suggestive in its composition: are the soldiers simply posing or doing target practice, or are they in the midst of defending their homeland? Ritter reflects, “[the youth] will shape and form the future of Ukraine, many of them are also fighting for the future of Ukraine by civil means, others are on the front line at a very young age.” One recalls the grainy, black-and-white imagery of teenage soldiers in the muddied trenches during the World Wars; we may imagine that we left this militaristic cradle robbing to our ancestors, but these young men are not much older as they are forced to defend their rights and inheritance. This historical context adds depth to Ritter's work and underscores the resilience of the Ukrainian youth.

Ritter’s images stand out, imbued with a profound cultural pride. One portrays a young man playing a Bandura, a plucked folk instrument deeply entwined with Ukrainian identity. His eyes are softly closed; he is in serene communion with the musical instrument and his identity as a Ukrainian. His serenity exudes a sense of quiet pride and assurance. Centuries of human experience flow in the Bandura's musical notes and wooden grooves. Like the young people of Ukraine, this music will not be diminished.

Apr 15 Fabian Ritter: Youth of Ukraine

Apr 15 Jackie Robinson and the Color Line | Glitterman Gallery

Apr 12 Anne Simin Shitrit

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