Wimborne’s award-winning Museum of East Dorset has extended Occupied / Unoccupied, its exhibition by Ukrainian photographer Iryna Sozanska, until 13 February 2027 following a positive public response and high demand. The museum has also raised £250 for Ukraine Relief through a special, sold-out after-hours event linked to the exhibition.
The event, Occupied / Unoccupied: In Conversation, welcomed visitors to the museum outside normal opening hours for exclusive access to the exhibition, followed by an in-conversation talk with Iryna about her experiences, the stories behind the photographs and how photography and personal objects have helped her document an extraordinary period of her life.
Guests had time to view the exhibition before hearing directly from Iryna, taking part in an audience Q&A, enjoying Ukrainian nibbles and a drinks reception, and supporting the fundraising raffle.
The evening was held in support of the UK-based charity Ukraine Relief, with raffle proceeds donated to help provide humanitarian aid to people affected by the war in Ukraine. The event formed part of local activity marking Ukrainian Independence Day on 24 August.
Occupied / Unoccupied brings together photographs taken by Iryna in the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when her family lived under occupation and survived evacuation, with new images made after the family began rebuilding their lives in Dorset. What began as simple family photographs became records of endurance, carried through Russian checkpoints as the family fled their home.
The contrast between those two worlds is at the heart of the exhibition. In one image, Iryna’s children shelter behind a mattress as glass shatters during an attack; in another, the same children play freely on the hills of Badbury Rings. Together, the photographs reveal the fragile line between survival and renewal and the strength of ordinary families living through extraordinary times.
Iryna Sozanska, now based in Ferndown, said: “Photography became my way to hold on, to remember, to process, and to rebuild. These images are about finding light again, even after everything changes.”
Millie Lake, Curator at Museum of East Dorset, said: “The event went really well – people really enjoyed listening to Iryna and we managed to raise £250 for Ukraine Relief!”
“We are very grateful to everyone who came along, took part and supported the raffle. It was a meaningful evening that gave visitors a deeper understanding of Iryna’s story and the powerful photographs and objects on display.”
Following an overwhelmingly positive response and high demand, the Museum of East Dorset has extended Occupied / Unoccupied until 13th February 2027 (inclusive). The exhibition is on display at the Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster. Entry during normal opening hours is free with normal museum admission. For more information visit: https://museumofeastdorset.co.uk/occupied-unoccupied/
