Eleven Artists’ Stories

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine, Estonia has been a leader in providing refuge to the Ukrainian people. At the start of the war, Estonia accepted the most Ukrainians per capita out of any country in the world, and it remains among the top three behind Czechia and Poland. There are now around 60,000 Ukrainians in Estonia, equal to about 4.4% of the population. Approximately three-quarters of these Ukrainians have arrived since 2022. These individuals must negotiate how to maintain their own cultural identity while integrating and building new lives abroad.

Ukrainian artists serve a critical role in cultural preservation among their community in Estonia. Their work draws on traditions from the past, reflects their experience in the present, and defines what Ukrainian culture is for the future as their homeland is under attack. As they establish themselves, their work creates spaces for healing and helps them to connect with Estonian people and culture— art is a mode of healing, integration, and cultural continuation.

Parker Watt moved to Estonia for a year with his camera, a light, and a film setup that could fit on his back in attempt to portray the power of art in the Ukrainian community living there. The result is the following series of 11 short films, each focusing on an individual Ukrainian artist or artistic group in which they tell their stories through their own words. These are the people who have chosen resilience in the face of horrendous events.