Den’s 15th Photo Exhibit opens in Kyiv on October 26

Starting from October 26 Den’s 15th Photo Exhibit will be open for nine days in the Kyiv art gallery “Lavra” located on 1 Lavrska Street. The exhibition will feature hundreds of best reportage photos from amateurs, who only try their hand at photography, to professional photojournalists, whose photos cause admiration in people all over the world.

Den will present several hundred photos that form a kind of cross-section of photography art in Ukraine in 2013 depicting civil and political activities, artistic originality, aesthetic refinement, the national spirit, and athletic enthusiasm. Through original photos we will show the real Ukraine. We will also try to encourage fellow journalists to show solidarity and social responsibility, compassion and understanding. Traditionally, along with the main award – Grand Prix of the contest – Den will chose the best social photo and its author will receive the Prize of Prizes “Golden Day.” Last year the “Golden Day” prize was awarded to the Kyiv photographer Yevhen Malolietka for his photo Help the Child dedicated to the issue of pediatric oncology. This prize is awarded by Den’s editorial office since 2008 for the photos that stress the importance of social responsibility. Grand Prix from the Prominvestbank last year went to the former photographer for Den Kostiantyn Hryshyn for his photo United.

“Last year I received the ‘Golden Day’ award for a social photo. In my opinion, photography should more often serve social purposes, should depict social problems, so that not only the journalists, but also average people, could see them. Photos must urge people to act,” photojournalist Yevhen MALOLIETKA told Den. “If you can help, do it. Famous photos by James Nachtwey depicting a famine in Somalia have helped to save seven million lives! Today, photography is developing and there are more social photos appearing. It is a positive trend. Photographer is not only presenting some social issue, but is also trying to help with such photo. Moreover, we do not limit ourselves to photography only, we also organize auctions, raise money for children’s medications.”

Den’s 15th Photo Exhibit will soon open. It’s not your first time to participate in the competition and you have already won its awards. What did the “Golden Day” award mean for you?

“‘Golden Day’ is, primarily, an important entry in my CV. Besides, I am very pleased that you picked my photo. I would like to thank the jury for choosing my photo among all the others. It is great that this issue is being raised, that Den cares about lives of children with cancer. It is my third year to participate in Den’s Photo Contest. It is great that there is such competition organized in Ukraine.”

Currently, the main intrigue of what photo would win in the nomination Grand Prix and what photo would win the 6th “Golden Day” award of the Photo Contest remains. Come to the art gallery “Lavra,” enjoy the aesthetics of contemporary photography, and choose your favorite photo by voting for the audience award. Den’s 15th Photo Exhibit will be open from October 26 through November 3. The admittance is free.

IMPRESSIONS

Vladyslav MUSIIENKO, winner of the Prize of Prizes “Golden Day” 2011 for the photo Mourning Sisters:

“I am looking forward to the opening of Den’s new photo exhibit. There are not very many good photo contest in Ukraine that result in such large-scale exhibitions. Since 2007 I’ve been a regular participant of Den’s Photo Contests. The most important aspect is that it is not a one-day event, but a serious competition with great history. It was a great pleasure to receive the ‘Golden Day’ award in 2011 for a social photo. Overall, I think it is important that the competition pays great attention to social issues. I think that it’s the right direction. When you work as a photojournalist for a news agency it is hard to plan your photographic life since the agency is designed to cover the news. That’s why there are breaks in my work on social photography. However, I try not to miss any opportunity to make a photo in this genre. If it works, I send the best shots for Den’s contest.”

Ihor DOBROVOLSKY, winner of the “Golden Day” award 2008 for his photo The Flood Claimed Three Children:

“There is no other photo competition than Den’s Photo Contest that would award the best reportage photos. Therefore, it is logical that many photographers are in it to test their skills. Besides, photoartists like the fact that your competition runs for years already and it is quite popular. Thus, every photographer gladly presents his achievements from the past year. Personally I participated in Den’s Photo Contest in 2008 for the first time and won already that year. Of course, I was happy about it. But I am even more pleased that the photo, after it appeared in the contest, helped the family depicted on it. From what I know, officials helped the injured family.

“I think that it is also important that Den’s Photo Contest encourages both amateurs and professional photographers to take extraordinary photos. Besides, there is a separate nomination for children who are fond of photography. Participating in such artistic competitions is a great impulse for them to engage in photography.”