It's my wound because it's pain for me

'It's my wound because it's pain for me' reflects how Armenia, as a society, has been shaped by enduring impacts of military conflicts and geopolitical tension, in which loss and suffering have forged resilience, solidarity and a quiet strength to endure.

Armenia, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, is facing a decisive phase in its history: long dependent on Russia as a protective power, the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh has made clear that this support cannot be relied upon. Russia's turning away and the fear of another war with Azerbaijan deprives Armenia of any hope of a secure future.

‘It's my wound because it's pain for me’ is a photographic exploration of Armenian society, whose identity is characterised by the traumas of the past, the fear of war and a deep sense of isolation. The work sheds light on the impact of geopolitical tensions and military conflicts on the civilian population in a region that is at the centre of political interests and power struggles.

The pictures illustrate the discrepancy between the Armenians' deep longing for peace and the harsh reality of the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan. In a country whose hopes for security have been shattered by geopolitical upheavals, the dream of stability and peaceful coexistence often seems unattainable. But it is precisely in this difficult situation that alternative paths are emerging: through mutual support and cohesion, the population is meeting the challenges with remarkable resilience. Despite their own poverty, people are opening their doors to refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, paramilitary groups are forming to defend freedom and security, and new, self-created realities are emerging that defy the feeling of injustice.

With her work, Islinger aims to raise awareness of Armenia's complex and often overlooked situation and highlight the voices and experiences of people who are usually underrepresented in the global discourse.