“IT IS SHOWING PEOPLE’S MOOD AT A VERY SPECIAL TIME”
Dr. Argita DAUDZE, Ambassador of the Latvian Republic to Ukraine:
“The 2014 exhibition’s photos show people’s mood at a very special time. The captured moment says more than detailed descriptions. The Ukrainian revolution confused the Ukrainian society and excited all the people in the world who understand the true values – freedom, truth, honor, and love. The photos tell not only the stories of the people they picture, but even more so, those of their creators. The exhibition is a clear proof that the courageous Ukrainians who defend their homeland at the barricades and battlefields are accompanied and joined in their fight by photographers. Ukrainians are uniting, for the entire country is experiencing a time when no one can stay aloof, and this exhibition has managed to show it vividly.”
“WE HAVE SENSED THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING TO LOSE AND PROTECT”
Hennadii RADCHENKO, director for corporate affairs, Nestle Ukraine:
“This year has changed Ukrainians to a great extent. They have become People with a capital ‘P.’ It is important that this is not just some ‘they’ who have changed, but ‘we,’ and everyone in particular as well. I have also changed. Den’s Photo Exhibition is like a mirror that reflects what we have become. Ukrainians have become citizens of the state, starting with the youngest and ending with the oldest ones. These changes are supported by the desire to move forward, to develop. This year has changed us internally, we now have to come together to change the country. We have sensed that we have something to lose and protect. The spirit of unity has appeared among us. Of course, we have not get a fully-developed civil society yet, but we have made a huge step towards it. The people have new values and a thirst for life shaped. When Ukraine saw a discussion starting about the nation’s direction, to align with the EU or the Customs Union, it was not a quest for lower duties, for it involved understanding that we were choosing values and society’s attitudes to its members. This is the top priority. Europe is a human-centered society, and Ukrainians have resolved to implement this model at home. In this regard, Den’s Photo Exhibition serves as an eye-opener for those who did not notice or did not want to see it. Documentary photography is a great art. The fact that Den constantly pays attention to it looks somewhat he-roic, for in everyday life, people just pass by and do not pay attention to events. However, when you look at a photo, you see that it not only captures the world, but changes it over time via efforts of the people who have seen and understood it. When choosing winning works, Nestle’s Ukrainian subsidiary selected three of them. We were captivated by their intense thirst for life and at the same time, the struggle for the right to live with dignity.”
“THE MAIN PURPOSE OF DEN’S PHOTO EXHIBITION IS TO SHOW THAT LIFE GOES ON”
Mikheil UKLEBA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Ukraine:
“I saw in these photos lasting empathy that is still with us. This photo exhibition reflects Ukraine’s path so far. By the way, diplomats, both me and my colleagues, ambassadors of other countries, empathized with you. It is hard to look calmly at what has happened in Ukraine. It looks likely, though, that it had to go through this ordeal, as Georgia did before. I would like to congratulate Den’s editorial staff on brilliant organization of this international exhibition. The main purpose of Den’s Photo Exhibition is to show that despite many apocalyptic occurrences, life goes on!”
