This Bittersweet Life | Paul van der Stap

Description

Between 2018 and 2024, I visited Transnistria countless times, a hard-to-reach, unrecognised mini-state wedged between Moldova and Ukraine. What began as curiosity about a forgotten corner of Europe evolved into a years-long quest for the soul of a nation on the border between East and West. I photographed, observed, and frequently found myself invited to the kitchen table, all while operating beneath the radar of the authoritarian regime.

What has 35 years of independence brought to the Transnistrians in the post-Soviet era? What does freedom mean to them? The war in Ukraine has brought Transnistria to a turning point, culminating in the gas crisis of winter 2024-2025. The question of whether the country’s future lies in the East or the West has become more pressing and intriguing than ever.

At the same time, I realised how complex and difficult the situation in Transnistria is to follow. To provide context for the photos and to make the harsh reality of life in Transnistria visible and tangible, the book combines documentary photography with literary non-fiction.

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Paul van der Stap has been a passionate documentary photographer and filmmaker for over 30 years. He explores the visual space of everyday life in communities across the globe. With a human spirit, he reaches out to a story in depth and breadth about the loves, frictions, and cracks in life. Paul has published numerous documentary photo books, held exhibitions, and created films. His photographs have been featured in several newspapers and magazines, including de Volkskrant and ei8ht Photojournalism. Additionally, his work is included in museum collections in both the Netherlands and Belgium.
Website: www.paulvanderstap.com