The haunting gazes captured in Frank Gaudlitz's photographic portraits tell stories of displacement, resilience, and hope. The Potsdam-based photographer has been documenting the faces of Ukrainian refugees who have fled to former Soviet republics, creating a powerful visual testimony to one of Europe's largest humanitarian crises since World War II.

Gaudlitz's compelling work focuses on Ukrainians who have sought refuge in Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia – countries that have emerged as crucial safe havens for those escaping the ongoing conflict. These former Soviet republics have become unexpected lifelines for countless families forced to abandon their homes and rebuild their lives in unfamiliar territories.

The photographer's portraits reveal the raw human cost of war through intimate glimpses into the lives of the displaced. The subjects' eyes, often rimmed with shadows of exhaustion and trauma, look directly into the camera with an intensity that demands attention. In these penetrating gazes, viewers can detect layers of pain and weariness, but also defiance and perhaps even traces of hope for the future.

Currently on display at the Museum of European Cultures, Gaudlitz's exhibition presents these Ukrainian refugee portraits alongside photographs of displaced Russians, creating a complex narrative about the far-reaching human consequences of conflict. The juxtaposition offers visitors a nuanced perspective on how political upheaval affects individuals from all sides, regardless of nationality or political affiliation.

Through his lens, Gaudlitz challenges viewers to see beyond statistics and headlines, urging them to recognize the individual humanity within the broader group of displaced people. Each portrait serves as a reminder that behind every refugee number is a person with a unique story, dreams, and the fundamental desire for safety and dignity. The exhibition stands as both an artistic achievement and a powerful call for empathy in understanding the ongoing refugee crisis.