Maxim Dondyuk
Photographer
Maxim Dondyuk is a Ukrainian documentary photographer. He was born in on July 15, 1983 in Slavuta, USSR. His childhood was in the small town of New Kakhovka. Currently based in Kiev, Ukraine.
Working independently, his primary objective is to raise awareness of social and religious issues. For too long the Ukrainian media has ignored pressing matters that without the proper attention will only get worse. Maxim uses his photography as a way to bring attention to this indifference, with the ultimate goal to improve conditions for people once disregarded.
Most recently Maxim is paying special attention to the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in Ukraine. In particular, he is focusing on the fact that government does not pay attention to such a serious health issue, made more urgent by a constant shortage of medicine and proper care in Ukrainian hospitals.
The lack of media coverage that TB receives in Ukraine has motivated Maxim to investigate the causes and consequences of what is clearly a negative attitude by society towards its TB patients. Maxim immerses himself in the lives of a people who are deprived of the proper attention and support needed by government. During this investigation, Maxim has lived in the hospitals, prisons and apartments of people with TB.
Maxim’s photo essays on TB have been have appeared in several different countries, but continue to struggle for exposure in Ukraine.
Maxim Dondyuk has received several awards for his work by prestigious organizations including Grand Prix “Best Global Health Story” of the BD’s Hope for a Healthy World Photo Competition, POYi: Issue Reporting Multimedia Story, The Yonhap International Press Photo Awards, Photo Evidence Book Award, The Photographers Giving Back Contest and The Circle of Life. The World Health Organization has used Maxim’s TB photos to support the European MDR-TB Action Plan.
Maxim Dondyuk lives and works in Ukraine, moving from one region to another as he pursues the Tuberculoses project.
Another project Maxim is working on in Ukraine documents the annual pilgrimage by Hasidim to honor the grave of Rabbi Nachman.
Maxim Dondyuk supports his work with both conventional photography and multimedia.