Ba ... – C/O Vienna Magazine

Photo above: One grandmother is photographed in her clothing store, where clothes embody a lifelong devotion, a space that represents her life’s work and reflects resilience, care, and dedication.

Photo left: The other granny wears the white outfit she saved for her funeral — the only “special” clothing she kept.

This series was created in collaboration between Yevheniia Kriuk and Zinaida Tsiglyuk, who visited their grandmothers in Ukraine during the Easter holidays, an important celebration in Ukrainian culture. Despite the war, the significance of celebration and the preservation of traditions endure.

Zinaida: “My grandmother, who shares my name, has always been proud that people sometimes confused her with my mother. In her clothing shop she creates a welcoming atmosphere and treats every girl she dresses like a daughter. She often shares the story of how, at 16, she traveled alone to another country to buy goods for her father."

„That story always reminds me of her incredible strength and determination. In a difficult Soviet era, she left her village alone at 16 and managed to build her success entirely through her own efforts. To me, she is a powerful example of resilience and independence in the face of hardship.”

Yevheniia: “In my childhood, my parents often sent me to stay with my grandmother during the holidays. In Bucha, life was peaceful, but I didn’t have many friends there. Most of my time was spent connecting with nature in the garden or vegetable patch."

A project on the theme of M(OTHER)ING, realized in collaboration with the Applied Photography and Time-Based Media class led by Prof. Maria Ziegelböck at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Created as part of Yasmina Haddad's MATCH! #4 course.

The interrelationship between photography, fashion, and casting is examined, with a focus on the relationship between photographer and subject—and vice versa. The mother figure is not meant biologically, but is considered through acts of care: m(other)ing is a verb. Mothers mother, fathers mother, girlfriends mother—you can also be the mother of a house! Are you maternal? Or are you mothers? Like queens?*

A project from Zinaida Tsygluek and Yevheniia Kriuk.