TITLE: Longing to be held

In a fragmented world aching for connection, this series explores the silent gestures of yearning — the body seeking closeness, the eyes watching yet unseen, the hand hesitating near the mouth. Each image reflects a different layer of longing: from the intimacy of self-embrace to the quiet spiral of human movement in urban solitude. The tattooed eyes speak of constant alertness, of wounds turned into symbols. The adolescent face reveals vulnerability at its purest, suspended between childhood and resistance. Together, the photographs form a visual poem about presence, distance, and the arms that never came.

AUTHOR: Kateryna Yatsun (Poland)

Hi! My name is Katerina. I’m a Ukrainian photographer based in Poland.
I was born in a beautiful ancient city between two seas — in Crimea — into a family of a musician and a designer. Aesthetics and the love of beauty have always been part of my life, and they helped me survive the hardest times.

I studied design at the State Academy of Design and Arts and later worked at the music television channel M1. I also collaborated with fashion and sports brands in an international company.
Art, fashion, and photography have always been my passions.

I’m also a mother of two boys, who are my joy and inspiration. Years ago, my youngest son was diagnosed with cancer. It changed our lives forever. He is now healthy — but it took me eight long years to finally start breathing freely again. Only recently, my eyes began to shine once more, and life regained its meaning — thanks to photography.

I love what I do. Photography makes me truly, deeply happy.