School of Media & Communication Gallery | Jody Richards Hall, WKU

M-W 9:00 am – 9:00 pm | TH – F 9:00 am – 4:00 pm*

The School of Media & Communications invites you to explore the heart-wrenching reality, “‘My Soul Aches’: Ukraine’s Mortal Courage” exhibition of images by Carol Guzy, at Jody Richards Hall Gallery on the campus of Western Kentucky University.

Step into a world of raw emotions, stark honesty, and the undeniable power of visual storytelling in this recent body of work from four-time Pulitzer Prize-Winning photojournalist Carol Guzy as we unveil a stunning collection of nearly 60 large format printed photographs that capture the essence and reality of the on-going war in Ukraine. Prepare to be moved as you journey through these captivating images allowing you to connect with the people of Ukraine on a deeply personal level and bear witness to the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people. Guzy’s work speaks to the unvarnished truth of conflict, offering a glimpse into the lives of those affected by the war. Guzy was the 2022 recipient of the Fleischaker/Greene Award for Courageous International Reporting from WKU School of Media.

WARNING: The content in this exhibition may be difficult for some to view, however these images were taken to connect us to the experiences of others in the hope we can better understand their suffering.

* Open only on days the University is open, parking is free after 4:30 pm on the Chestnut Street South Lot.

Carol Guzy: A Lens of Compassion and Courage in a World of Conflict

For over four decades, Carol Guzy has been a humble ambassador in the world of photojournalism. With an unerring eye for capturing the raw, emotional essence of human stories, Guzy has earned her place among the most celebrated photojournalists of our time.

Carol Guzy

Born with an innate curiosity and a passion for storytelling, Guzy embarked on her career in the early ’80s. Her unflinching commitment to truth and her remarkable ability to empathize with her subjects have garnered her four Pulitzer Prizes, one of only two journalists to have achieved this accomplishment.

Guzy’s recent work from Ukraine is an exemplar of her unmatched skill in documenting the human experience during times of crisis. Her photographs from the war-torn region are haunting and real, encapsulating the pain, resilience, and hope of the Ukrainian people. Through her lens, we witness the devastating impact of conflict on families, the bravery of those defending their homeland, and the indomitable spirit of a nation striving for peace.

In a world often marred by chaos and division, Carol Guzy’s work, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Kosovo War to Hurricane Katrina to the ISIS conflicts in the Middle East, serves as a beacon of truth and understanding. She reminds us that behind every headline and statistic, there are real people with real stories. Her photographs from Ukraine are not just images; they are windows into the heart and soul of a nation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to bearing witness to the world’s most pressing issues. Carol Guzy continues to inspire and educate through her powerful visual storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the world of photojournalism.