York photographer to share images of Ukraine war in new exhibition

York photographer Edward Matthews will share some of his documentary photography work in a new exhibition — including images that lay bare the devastating impact of the war in Ukraine.

It will include pictures from the refugee crisis in Poland, portraits of foreign volunteers, and Ukrainian firefighters from the former front line in Kharkiv.

The exhibition will take place at Spark York on from tomorrow (Friday, 20 January) and run until Sunday 22 January.

Previously a photographer for York nightclubs, Edward made a trip to the border with Ukraine last year — and decided that there was a greater need for his services there.

Edward made the journey over the border between Poland and Ukraine almost daily to help deliver food and aid.

Speaking on YorkMix Radio last April, Edward said that he was initially invited to ‘document the process of refugees leaving the country.’

“Very quickly, as we arrived, I realised that I didn’t want to just be there taking photos. So initially, I joined a group of local Polish people handing out humanitarian aid at one of the first train stops out of Ukraine,” said Edward last year.

Now approaching a year on, Edward will be showcasing some of his photography from Ukraine.

“I’m very keen to continue to raise awareness of the ongoing war in Ukraine and keep it at the front of people’s minds,” he said.

“I want this exhibition to be a celebration of Ukrainian culture as well as showcasing some of my work.

“I’ve invited members of the Ukrainian community in York to come along to the exhibition and engage with visitors if anyone would like to learn more about Ukraine.”

To see more of Edward’s photography work, visit his website here.