Various exhibits are held every day, so no news here. These are mostly commercial ventures with some people selling and others buying, and contracts being signed. So what was the deal here? With a sense of cultural backwardness I asked a couple of visitors to share their impressions. I was particularly interested in photographers’ views because they of all people would notice the smallest details and could explain them.
A total of 2,320 visitors took part in passing judgment on the photos. The votes were divided between 14 works, and the Audience Choice Prize went to Borys Korpusenko’s “Two Truths” (it also won the main prize).
It turns out that behind every displayed photograph are not just an expensive camera and interesting situation but also life, human destinies, feelings, and the photographer’s heart. If Ukrainians have learned to see others’ joy or suffering, admiration or wrath, if they can show this to others in their photographs, then this may be the meaning of The Day’s photography contest and part of the organizers’ achievement. If a visitor leaves the exhibit and still sees the photographs in his mind’s eye, this means that the project was a success and that the whole effort was not in vain. If photographs can evoke such strong feelings, I believe this is the best reward for photographers. We can only thank them and wish them every success.
Tetiana FESENKO, fourth-year student (journalism):
This is my first visit to the exhibit, although I saw last year’s winning photos. I noticed that there are a lot of political photos this time, although they are executed in an interesting and unconventional manner, on a par with others. These works are not boring. I am most impressed by the photographs on social themes, especially Anastasia Syrotkina’s “Tom’s Cabin” and Oleh Burbovsky’s “A Kiss.” It’s an explosion of aesthetic emotions. The Day’s photography exhibit shows that life can be beautiful and inimitable, joyful and sorrowful. All this makes life very special.
Prof. Yurii SHAPOVAL, Ph.D. (History):
This exhibit reflects the times. I think there is too much politics, although the photographs are markedly professional. On the other hand, the political themes are presented in an unusual manner. These are not trivial photos. Like no other periodical, The Day knows how to choose the right angle to look at things. I’d like to see more photos on a variety of themes. Politicians are interesting people, especially in nonstandard situations. However, they say that politics is the art of the impossible. So I’d like to see impossible things in future exhibits. For me the very fact of these exhibits is important. It’s already a tradition and it isn’t devalued by the passage of time. It is unique. It is very important for me as an historian. What The Day is doing is part of modern history. Of course, this exhibit changes with each year in terms of higher professionalism.
I’m very impressed by Borys Korpusenko’s Grand-Prix-winning “Two Truths.” It is a unique photograph. When Borys told me how he takes pictures, I asked him a perfectly idiotic question: which works does he like as a professional? Borys mentioned several photos. That’s a very good characteristic for me. When people can see and appreciate not only their own works but others’ as well, it means that the members of the The Day’s jury are capable of evaluating not only themselves but also other people and various aspects of the world. It is also very important to provide equal conditions for all.
Volodymyr PANCHENKO, Vice-President, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy:
I have explored The Day’s photo exhibits for the last several years, so I’m in a position to make comparisons, perceive new motifs, moods, subjects, and notice new faces. I think there are too many politicians’ faces this time. I’m sick and tired of them. The photographers’ attitude can be described as one of squinting irony, and this canot leave one unimpressed. Compared to previous exhibits, this one has fewer dramatic and tragic subjects. The mood is humorous, ironical, and occasionally carnival-like. I love Oleh Nych’s “The Finishing Touch” with its wedding merry-making. Of course, Borys Korpusenko’s “Two Truths” is superb. It catches a special moment and turns it into an interesting drama. Borys knows how to capture and immortalize single moments in time.
