American Photography 41 Winners

The Edge of the Earth, from Hope in the Rubble

HOPE IN THE RUBBLE These images were created in Ukraine to reflect the dreams and inner worlds of children enduring the harsh realities of war. Every prop and costume is real, with magical realist worlds imagined through conversations with the children, supported by art therapists, to reveal how war has shaped their lives. The work captures their pain, their mental escape in moments of fear and loss, and the fragile hopes they hold onto while hiding in bunkers or grieving loved ones. Conceived as an anti-war statement, this series highlights those who bear the heaviest burden in conflict: children. This generation is suffering-losing parents, being displaced, and living in constant fear. In this project, I use art as a form of healing and self-expression for the children, while offering a new perspective on the war. I hope to inspire empathy in the viewer, encouraging reflection on what connects us all, rather than what divides. Throughout the project creation, we endured nightly bombings and daytime air raid sirens. THE EDGE OF THE EARTH "When I'm at the edge of the Earth, I want to feel at peace, and for no one to know where I am," Mariana said. In her imagination, the edge of the Earth is filled with unicorns, ice cream, and vivid colors. She believes her friend Amira, "missing since the start of the war," is probably there. The shoot became emotional as the truth settled in: Amira wasn't there. We paused several times to talk about her — and about the idea of a quiet refuge, a place where beauty and serenity could still exist.

Wings of Childhood, from Hope in the Rubble

WINGS OF CHILDHOOD "The Antonov An-225 Mriya airplane gave me pride. It was made in Ukraine and flew over Maidan," said Kostya. "When the war began, the Russians destroyed our famous airplane. I cried a lot." Kostya imagines himself as a pilot who gets to fly it again, however, as time goes on, his dreams become "more practical, more like plans not dreams, like economics". He described becoming accustomed to air raids, and it that it is "hard for a human to realise what war is until they experience it themselves."