Each new generation has its own set of concerns or worries.  Photo-stories "Youngsters" by Chai Khana depicts the cares and worries of young people in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Denmark and Georgia: their concern for animals, the mental health of their loved ones, and the fate of their hometown–as well as their efforts to preserve the memories of past conflicts, protect traditions and find  freedom in music when all other islands of freedom have vanished.

The photographers’ work was exhibited in Tbilisi and a selection of photos is presented here and on the Chai Khana instagram account. 

A four-month mentorship program developed by Kulbroen and Chai Khana with support from the New Democracy Fund. 

Mentors: Mano Svanidze, Benjamin Norskov

Tim Bertram, Denmark

A love that never runs out

In Denmark, there are 300,000 Danish children—or an average of four children in every school class—whose parents struggle with mental illness. We know that  carrots, vitamins and milk keep the body strong, but we have a harder time figuring out what to do when we lose control of our emotions. In response, I made this project about my father, his mental illness and my relationship with him. My father is bipolar and was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Mariam Ambroladze, Georgia

Heart of the Forest

“Heart Of Forest” documents life in the city of Tkibuli, a small town located in the heart of the forest. Tkibuli is often photographed, but in those photos, everything is mostly gray—positive and bright things are ignored.  The project reflects people’s lives, thoughts, dreams, and feelings about Tkibuli.

Rosa Tiedje Lokken, Denmark

New or never

When I was in the 1st grade, the average temperature for my hometown was 8 celsius. When I turned 17, it was 9.5.  In this photo series, I explore new solutions and alternatives in the Danish food industry, and how we could get closer to creating a new way of living to improve the environment.

Mariam Kartvelishvili, Georgia

Uneasy coexistence

-Knock-knock. Who’s there?

 -HUMANS

People are divided into two parts when we talk about animals: people who care and people who do not. This series explores what it is to live together.

Nikoloz Miruashvili, Georgia

I don’t want these bullet holes to go away

In 2008 Russia invaded Georgia in what would later be remembered as the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. One of the most important parts of the war was the bombing and then occupation of the city of Gori by the Russian military. During this period almost the entire population of Gori had to flee, not knowing if they would be able to return. Teenagers in Gori have grown up in an environment of constant trauma. This photo series documents this experience.

Davit Kavkasyan, Armenia

Twenty Eight

Mini buses, known as “marshrutkas,” are shared taxis, often deviating the route to transport as many passengers as possible.  For photographer Davit Kavkasyan (18), marshrutkas are a defining memory from his childhood, when they were the only way for him to traverse Yerevan. As the future of marshrutkas is threatened by new policies, this photo essay seeks to immortalize their role in Armenian society.

Seljan Haji, Azerbaijan

Don’t let this be the last

Most Azerbaijanis don't have time to rest, make art, sit at home and listen to music, or go to expensive concerts. Their daily worries  are difficult, and sometimes they even lack the means to relax and enjoy music. 

In this series, I photographed the music lovers around me and how music plays an important role in their lives.