VYACHESLAV ONISHCHENKO | Medicine through my eyes
I have shot the project “Medicine through my eyes” (2013-2016) in a small town named Razdel’ Naya, in Ukraine.( Population: 17,995 (2015). I had just graduated from the Medical University, where I worked for over three years.
Life before the work in the hospital was full of carelessness, and it was my first experience in medicine. Everything was so different than the impression you get from the books.
Before, I saw sickness and suffering only in pictures in textbooks, but here it all surrounded me every day. It was necessary to help people; it was crucial to make only the right decisions. I realized that every action has consequences. I faced the problem of poverty. People with money are being treated in the leading hospitals, with proper recruitment and a significant staff, with better conditions, in Odessa ( or other major cities). Everyone who can not afford better treatment, have no other option but to be treated in a small hospital like mine. The books should not have a strong influence.
The books told me how to do it right. But where can I get these medicines? There is no money for bandage and aspirin.
I came to the understanding that reality is much different and harder than written in the books. Here you can see the story of my growing up. Being more mature, facing the world as is. The photography was a tool.
I was trying to find something beautiful in the doctor’s routine. My life changed after the hospital; I began to appreciate the meaning of health, friends, family, and a good sleep in my life.
Part of the series was filmed on a film camera Zenit ET.
VYACHESLAV ONISHCHENKO
Vyacheslav Onishchenko, Professional photographer from Odesa, Ukraine, 32 years old, started in the professional photography field in 2012.
Onishchenko is a doctor, Сurrently working at Odessa National Medical University. His work has been published internationally on several photography magazines, including Foto and video magazine, Eye-photo magazine, Stolenground,с41 magazine, Fstopmagazine, Shadows, and Light Magazine, Ayemag, Positive Magazine, Reporters Media.
