Someone Like Me
Nina Khyzhna’s one-woman performance, 'Someone Like Me' ('Nafta' Theater), explores the journey of a disembodied being who experiences the lives of others through their bodies. The play immerses the audience in the daily reality of those living with the constant fear of war, illustrating how this fear shapes their movements, habits, and emotions.
Through interviews with Ukrainians of all ages and professions (ranging from 6 to 90 years old), the performance reveals stories of stress, pain, and struggle, as well as moments of pleasure, humor, and resilience in adapting to a new reality.
The primary medium of the performance is body language, dance, and movement, which convey the experiences, associations, and daily actions of those featured in the project.
The photos created during the performance are unique, employing a multi-exposure technique that merges six frames into a single, complex image. The combination of abstract shapes and realistic details symbolizes the connection between body and soul in the context of war. The body becomes a metaphor for the lingering trauma of post-conflict experiences.
The photography style can be described as experimental or conceptual, blending elements of reportage and fine art. It emphasizes not only technical and artistic methods but also the deeper emotional meaning. The image does not simply capture six moments, but instead fuses multiple emotional “phases” into one frame, reflecting the invisible wounds caused by war.
Awards & recognitions
3rd Place, International Photography Awards. Category: Special/Special Effects;Honorable Mention, ND Awards. Category: Fine Art - Abstract;
Honorable Mention, Chromatic Awards. Category: Abstract;
Nominee, The reFocus Awards. Category: Fine Art;
Platinum Winner, London Photography Awards. Category: Fine Art.