Images of War: The Impact of Photography on Conflict Perception

Harvard’s 12th annual Global Studies Outreach workshop

Imagining a Better World: Arts, Activism, and Social Justice: A Workshop for Educators

In this talk, Iva Sidash delves into her experiences as a documentary photographer in Ukraine, with a focus on transforming personal war stories into universal narratives. She discusses her deliberate choice to document not just the visible aspects of combat, but also the hidden and untold stories that often go unnoticed. Sidash seeks to reveal the uncomfortable truths of war to viewers through a variety of photographic approaches.

Sidash also explores photography's role as a healing tool for both subjects and viewers. She shares stories of individuals who found solace in sharing their experiences and examines how photography fosters empathy and understanding. She discusses the broader impact of photography in helping society comprehend and process the realities of war, emphasizing its power to provoke questions, evoke emotions, and encourage deeper reflection on the human cost of conflict.