Den-2009 photo exhibit in Kharkiv

KHARKIV — Some two thousand visitors in two weeks, more than 300 votes, and unforgettable impressions — such is the result of the photo exhibit Den-2009 displayed at the library of the Karazin National University of Kharkiv. The votes cast by the visitors chose the winner: Volodymyr Kanavets’ photo “Forgive me, Mom” (t. Pryluky, Chernihiv oblast). The second and third places were taken by what the viewers described as character photos: Yevhen Kazykin’s “My Granddad” (Kyiv, World as Seen by Children nomination) and The Day’s staff photographer Kostiantyn Hryshyn’s “Mermaids of the Singing Field.” Special mention was made of Bohdan Yatsy­shyn’s “Kutuzov,” Serhii Boha­tchuk’s “A Good Housewife,” Oleksandra Pinehina’s “Tenderness Incarnate,” to mention but a few.

The Day’s photo exhibit is leaving Kharkiv because this week it is sche­du­led to open in Simferopol and then Yalta in the Crimea.

IMPRESSIONS

Alla MINKO, senior librarian, Central Reference Library, Karazin National University:

“Considering the number of visitors, I can say that this photo exhibit was a success. People would pause in front of the photo “Umka” and take their time examining it. I was very impressed by the photo with a son belatedly meeting with his mother. I think that this particular photo is like a novel. I wonder how the photographer managed to convey so many emotions in one snapshot.

Some photos offer interesting scenes from Ukrainian daily life, although I would argue with some photographers about the negative emotions their pictures inspire. On the other hand, this is our life and there is no denying it. We witness such things every day. I was glad to see some photographers capture things we would never see but which are so interesting: the way our elite lives and how these people treat each other. I’m very thankful to the organizers!”

Yuliana KHODARIEVA, research fellow, Korolenko State Reference Library, Kharkiv:

“I cast my vote for Valerii Shaihorodsky’s ‘A Promising Beginning’ (Chernihiv). I think this is the most optimistic, life-asserting photo I’ve seen. I’m happy to have been able to explore this photo exhibit. I saw many interesting photos and I was very impressed by them.”

Liza, a visitor:

“There are very few such photo exhibits held in Kharkiv. I was thrilled to explore this one because all the photos are about our daily realities, things we see around us. Another remarkable thing about this exhibit is that it is held on the campus of one of Ukraine’s oldest universities. I’m very grateful to the editors of The Day for their dedicated effort and for offering me an opportunity to see my country from a different angle.”

Alla SHALYHANOVA, chief librarian, Korolenko State Reference Library:

“It’s hard to choose the best photo. I especially liked the World as Seen by Children series. These photos convey more emotions than any others. These pictures are filled with tenderness, for example, ‘Sweet Tooth’ and ‘Granny’s Flowers.’ In fact, all photos on display gladden every visitor’s heart, regardless of age. There are very interesting concepts and some photos capture amazing scenes that give rise to a diversity of emotions.”

Oleksii, a visitor:

“I’m impressed by the diversity of photos on display. Looking at these pictures, you try to imagine the way this other person sees the surrounding world; it makes you ponder how you would go about taking this picture, from what place, what technique you’d use. This photo exhibit is a concise but amazingly vivid illustrated story about our country and people, a sightseeing trip of sorts. I especially clearly remember the photo with children aged 12 and thereabout having alcoholic drinks. This photo makes you think about what is happening in Ukraine, about those elected by the people to run this country being indifferent to this problem, and whether there is a way to change the situation.”