Children of journalists created postcards depicting their parents' work moments — in the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, the young artists presented their works for the professional holiday of media workers.
The exhibition of the postcard series «I — from a Family of Journalists» drew a large crowd. The illustrations, based on the drawings of children and grandchildren of Ukrainian journalists, touched on much deeper themes.
How do media workers and their families cope with the current challenges? How do they experience wartime? How do children respond to their parents' emotional ups and downs? How is the meaning of a journalist's profession explained to them during war?
The postcards were based on drawings selected from over 100 children across Ukraine. Last year, these works were showcased at an exhibition organized by the NUJU.
The first secretary of the NUJU, Lina Kusch, addressed her colleagues and reminded them that this meeting in Kyiv was made possible because the military defends our land.
«Since 2022, 125 Ukrainian media workers have lost their lives while fulfilling their professional duties or defending us on the battlefield. We journalists always say that our work is not just 8 hours a day, but encompasses our entire lives. Often, our work intersects with family relationships and our lives outside the office. As the NUJU, we support journalists and understand that their children are also a very important part of our moral support, a crucial part of our lives. Today, we offer a glimpse into the journalist's profession through the eyes of their children, how they perceive their parents,» Lina Kusch emphasized.
She held in her hands drawings formatted as regular postcards, which were displayed on screens for all attendees at the press center. Young artists sat behind tables with their journalist parents.
Mostly, adults spoke about their works. The young creators felt shy in public.
However, the postcards, with their raw honesty, fresh perceptions, vibrant colors, and precise narratives, inspire and captivate.
«Look at how we appear in their eyes!» journalists remarked with interest and pride. It turned out that even the youngest children clearly understand who is who in this adult world. They depict the occupiers as toothless swamp snakes, expressing disdain for terrorists who disregard human life.
The postcards feature interviews with heroes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, press conferences, and moments of material preparation when work seems to stand still and inspiration is lacking. The children notice everything!
