A detailed review of Yurii Veres’s documentary photobook Light Through the Ruins has been published by Ukraina Moloda, a Ukrainian newspaper.
The review, titled “Turning Facts into Truth: A Review of Light Through the Ruins by Yurii Veres”, was written by literary critic and journalist Kostiantyn Rodyk.
In his review, Rodyk considers Light Through the Ruins not only as a documentary record of the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, but also as an artistic interpretation of what the photographer has witnessed.
Particular attention is given to Yurii Veres’s work with composition and framing. While examining the photographs, the critic highlights the photographer’s ability to eliminate unnecessary elements and focus the viewer’s attention on what matters most.
“Mr. Yurii is a master of composition,” the reviewer writes.
According to the review, details play an important role throughout the book. Among destroyed buildings, courtyards and other traces of the war, there are objects that recall the people and peaceful lives that once existed there.
The review also discusses the photograph of tulips beside a destroyed house, which became the cover image of the book, as well as a photograph of the damaged monument to Taras Shevchenko in Borodianka.
Light Through the Ruins is a documentary photobook based on photographs taken by Yurii Veres in different regions of Ukraine between 2022 and 2025. The book contains 305 photographs documenting the consequences of the full-scale war through destroyed cities and villages, people, and details of everyday life.
The review in Ukraina Moloda is another response to the book following its publication and presentations in Ukraine and abroad.
The full review is available on the Ukraina Moloda website:
https://umoloda.kyiv.ua/number/4026/164/194962/
