Reaching paradise (with different approaches and interpretations of its meaning) has become the ultimate goal of the afterlife for every religion. But can paradise exist here, on Earth, or is it lost forever? No matter what a person may or may not believe in, there is a constant search for a higher quality of life, the unexplainable need to believe in something better, in life with no violence, no hardships, but with the possibility of reaching true happiness, physical and spiritual fulfillment. That belief can be the driving force for some people leaving their countries and searching for better destinies, for their lost paradise. There are certain affluent countries on the map that embody that paradisiacal notion. One such country is the United States, a country built by immigrants, country of affluence and possibilities for true happiness and self-realization. While it all might be true, one constantly forgets that there is always another side of the coin, a side that is not talked about much. As an artist, I’ve always been interested in exploring that other side of a coin, that other side paradise.

I first came to the U.S. in 2009 as a Fulbright fellow to study photography. Besides studying visual art, I explored the country, myself as a foreigner, prejudices, lives of immigrants, and lives of people living in so-called ‘disadvantaged areas.’ Before going to Texas to study art, I spent almost a month in Philadelphia doing a pre-academic program and taking classes at Drexel University. At our orientation program, we were given suggestions about best places to eat, to visit, etc. and at the end of the presentation we were told that we shouldn’t go to one area outside the campus as it was too dangerous. I could understand that the instructors were worried about us not getting into trouble, but…. I decided to go there anyway and explore the neighborhood. Of course, I took my camera (my best friend) with me. To be on the safe side, I also asked another student to accompany me. He agreed, and so we went.

About artist

Marianna Glynska is originally from the western part of Ukraine. In 2009, she got a Fulbright scholarship to study art in the U.S. Artist attended Texas Tech University and in 2012  received a Master’s in Fine Arts.  Author currently lives in Ivano-Frankivsk where continues to take part in the cultural and social life of Ukraine.