In 2023, over 110 million people had to leave their homes – more than ever before.

This number includes Ukrainians whose homes were destroyed by Russia’s war of aggression as well as those who fled in fear of their lives. Some Russians also left their country because they could not continue living under Putin’s authoritarian regime.

Together with historian Paulus Adelsgruber and journalist Angelina Davydova, photographer Frank Gaudlitz spoke to refugees in Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, took their portraits, and documented their stories. The photographs show people in makeshift living spaces. Flight has many faces, reflecting pain and fear but also courage and hope. Each portrait, interview or quotation reveals a unique, touching fate shaped by flight and the loss of homeland.

A special exhibition of the Museum Europäischer Kulturen – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin