Exploring Liubov Durakova’s Intimate War Diary at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam
Amsterdam's premier photography hub regularly spotlights fresh voices who challenge how we view contemporary issues. Through the latest cycle of its prestigious foam talent initiative, the museum introduces audiences to experimental storytellers grappling with themes of belonging, displacement, and geopolitical tension. Among the standout participants of the foam talent 2026 cohort is Ukrainian photographer Liubov Durakova, whose poignant project offers a quiet but deeply unsettling look at the psychological toll of conflict.
Inside 'The Quiet Sound of War': A Different Perspective on Conflict
While conventional war photography frequently captures physical destruction and overt violence, Durakova’s project, titled The Quiet Sound of War. A Sound That Can’t Be Turned Off, focuses on the internal, invisible scars carried by those who have fled active combat zones. Originally from Kharkiv—a Ukrainian city situated near the border that has faced relentless bombardment—Durakova captures the stark contrast between peaceful European landscapes and the internal panic that persists within survivors.
During an artist residency in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2025, Durakova photographed seemingly idyllic scenes: mountain peaks rising behind charming houses, tranquil streets, and simple mornings spent over coffee. However, these calm visual diaries are disrupted by her accompanying handwritten notes. The text reveals how ordinary, everyday sounds—like a passing airplane, a helicopter, or even a falling chestnut—instantly trigger memories of air raids and combat, highlighting how trauma rewires a person’s sensory perception of safety.
What to Expect on Your Visit to Amsterdam's Photography Hub
For visitors planning a trip to Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, exploring works by local and international artists like Durakova provides a profound look at how contemporary image-makers push the boundaries of documentary art. Durakova’s practice blends analog photography, field recordings, and written text to convey what the camera lens cannot capture on its own.
The project is featured as part of the broader talent showcase, curated by the museum's senior curator, Mirjam Kooiman. To delve deeper into the project and explore the essays accompanying this edition, readers can purchase the physical talent volume directly from the shop.
Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a curious traveler exploring the city, mapping out your cultural itinerary with Musemap (musemap.art) makes it easy to browse Amsterdam museums and discover upcoming exhibitions and events during your stay.
