The opening of Den’s Photo Exhibition on January 16 had a real full house! The halls were packed so densely that by the end of the day, there was almost no space left in the voting box for the best photo contest! Den, which was the photo exhibition’s organizer, received praise from representatives of the city of Cherkasy, the regional council and state administration, university faculty members, schoolteachers, pupils and students, artists and journalists...
Deputy head of the Cherkasy Regional Council Natalia Kravtsova said in her welcome speech: “It is symbolic that Den’s Photo Exhibition opens on January 16. After all, we mark the anniversary of the former regime signing its draconian bills into law on that day, which have changed everything in our lives. This exhibition reflects the events of 2014 in our country, and we see not only what happened in Maidan and the eastern regions, but other aspects of our lives as well. We appreciate the opportunity to see such works.”
Natalia KRAVTSOVA, first deputy head of the Cherkasy Oblast Council:
“We went through much more during the last year than we did during the 23 years of our independence. I cannot find words to describe it. I wish our children did not have to know what war is. I want them to never see again what they learned during the past year.
“Ukrainians in these photos are brave, purposeful, dedicated, and kind. Men are holding guns, but they have smiles on their faces. Our people do not take away what does not belong to them, but they defend their own, it is a crucial difference. Our boys can give their lives for their homeland. Generally, the Ukrainian people show their love for their motherland with fantastic dignity and courage. Finally we have learned our anthem, and when we sing it, something in our souls stirs. I used to speak only Russian earlier, but now I’m learning Ukrainian. I see the great display of our people’s good will, they help each other, and this is my small tribute to the overall changes.”
“WE NEED TO THINK OVER HOW WE HAVE LIVED AND HOW WE HAVE TO LIVE”
Lesia IVANCHUK, librarian at Cherkasy School No. 2:
“The year has passed, but when you look at the photos from Den’s photo exhibit, your eyes brim with tears. These photos take us back to the horrible and important events, which I saw only on television. When you see such realistic photos with fire and weapons, you understand it is not over yet.
“This photo is called Maidan. February 20 and was taken by Oleksandr Ratushniak. You immediately notice the blue and yellow background in the picture. A person bent over and is sitting on a helmet. This photo is very symbolic. We need to think over how we have lived and how we have to live.
ON FRIDAY RESIDENTS OF CHERKASY CAME TO THE ARTS MUSEUM TO SEE THE PHOTOS, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE OPENING OF THE PHOTO EXHIBIT, AND EVEN AFTER THE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION, WELL INTO THE CLOSING OF THE EXHIBIT
“I liked what Den/The Day’s editor-in-chief Larysa Ivshyna said about the proper upbringing of children, telling them about the Kyivan Rus’ of Yaroslav the Wise. Our children don’t read a lot, but if we pay attention to the works written during the era of Yaroslav the Wise, we will have a successful country. Back then, a lot of attention was paid to reading and education, numerous libraries were created.”
“UKRAINIANS IN THESE PHOTOS ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN THEY USED TO BE”
Oleksandr ZGIBLOV, member of the Cherkasy City Council, chairperson of the board at Temp Public Joint Stock Company:
“I am an amateur photographer myself, and Den’s exhibit is overwhelming. I quickly went around almost the entire exhibition and received a psychological shock from some photos. My photography teacher used to say that nothing else but a photo can capture the moment. It is impressive that genuine emotions of people who now protect Ukraine or fight on the other side are here. Ukrainians in these photos are completely different than they used to be, the Ukrainian nation has finally taken shape over the past years.”
“SUCH PROJECTS DEVELOP PEOPLE”
Andrii KOMARNYTSKY, poet:
“Past year’s events, which unfolded in my native Donetsk in particular, are well represented here. I did not even expect I would like this exhibition so much. Such projects develop people, the country’s history is imprinted here. A Ukrainian for me is a strong-spirited person, who cannot be brought down to their knees. Also it is a cultured, educated citizen, and they are portrayed in that way in Den’s photos.”
“I WANT TO BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER AFTER VISITING DEN’S EXHIBITION”
Kostiantyn SALENKO, director of social issues department, Azot Public Joint Stock Company:
“The exhibition impressed me with a variety of plots, which show our past and present. There are things that make me happy and sad at the same time, I mean the Maidan events. There are a lot of positive ones, and they show that the world is very diverse. I want to become a photographer after visiting Den’s exhibition. Interesting angles, which you do not notice yourself, are inspiring, but the photos show various aspects of life perception. The heroes of the photos are people whom you see only briefly in everyday life, but here a moment was captured, you can take a closer look at them.
“Contrasts in the photos are interesting: you see pain, happiness, and joy. Photographers show a broad range of emotions, emphasize the uniqueness of the moment. Regardless of their nationality, genuine human beings are captured in these photos.
MEDIA ARE FOLLOWING THE SPEECH OF DEN’S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LARYSA IVSHYNA: “OUR CHALLENGE IS THE MODERNIZATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE NATIONAL CHARACTER”
“Why did we join the action ‘Give Den’s Library to your native school’? We learn history at school. So, it is important that we present truthful historical information to our children, show them books where they can find this knowledge. Our company has schools we are in charge of. We do not simply build playgrounds and do charity work, but we want to expand people’s education, show the true history to them. That is why we gave publications by Den’s Library to various schools in Cherkasy.”
THE PHOTOS INSPIRE FAITH AND ENTHUSIASM
Yevdokiia MATSOKINA, director of the press center, Azot Public Joint Stock Company:
“At Den’s photo exhibit we see contemporary history, the events of 2014. Den’s project inspires confidence in Ukraine’s victory. The exhibit also awakens the sentiment of affiliation with the nation.
“In general, Den’s photos cut you to the quick. As I look at them I believe that our people have reconsidered their existence. Ukrainians underwent a cardinal change during the Revolution of Dignity, they realized they are proud of their country, and they became united.
“For my grandson I have bought the collections ‘Subversive Literature’ and ‘Armor-Piercing Political Writing.’ Ukraine’s history knows a lot of blank spots. Unfortunately, we have not comprehended such issues in full, so books from Den’s Library come in very handy both for teachers and children. My grandson loves Ukraine very much. So, he will find a lot of interesting stuff in Den’s Library, we will read the books together.”
I SEE DEN ON A DAILY BASIS
Yulia NOROVKOVA, 3rd year student, Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University (Cherkasy):
“At this photo exhibit I saw our country strong, though suffering. This is a nation which is fighting for its rights and for its freedom. Also, I liked the series of photos portraying Putin and Yanukovych in a satirical matter. However, what impressed me most was the photo by Yevhen Malolietka, taken at a Hutsul wedding, Portrait against a Highland Backdrop, one of the best photos of the recent years. I major in journalism, so I simply must read Den. I read the paper and find the materials to bring to the university and use as examples. That is why, I see Den on a daily basis! I like your bloggers very much, as well as the laconicism and pithiness of news reporting.”
By Olha KHARCHENKO, Maria PROKOPENKO, photos by Mykola TYMCHENKO, The Day
