Photography is about light conquering darkness. And as we speak, Ukrainian photographers are conquering an unimaginable form of darkness. I can think of no more outstanding contribution to photography than that. - Edward Burtynsky

The renowned Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky had difficulties starting kindergarten in St. Catharines, Ont.: He kept speaking Ukrainian, the first language he learned.

Today, the son of Ukrainian immigrants who arrived in Canada around 1949 is particularly aware of those roots. He still has relatives in Ukraine, including two of his mother’s great nieces, whose safety the family is watching closely. He has been helping raise funds for the war-ravaged country and preparing to sponsor refugees.

As he accepted the prize for outstanding contribution to photography at the Sony World Photography Awards in London on Tuesday 12 April 2022, he made a statement dedicating the honour to Ukrainian artists – in particular the photographers who have been documenting the war launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Image by Ukrainian photojournalist Maxim Dondyuk.