I love you, Ukraine!

The first issue of Den was published in September 1996. In all but two of the 14 years since then we have welcomed the new year with a photo exhibit presenting the best works by the participants of the photo competition that is held the whole year through.

We could have hardly demonstrated this stability if it had not been for your support. You are our readers, who support Den, and actively participate in creating it. You are our contributors, amazing and unique, old and new, but always loyal. You are our unfailing friends and partners. And, of course, you are the participants of our competition, which grows with each passing year.

This year there was a record number of entries — almost 2,000. The number of participants was 230. The jury, being limited by the display space, selected some 300 works. They will be shown in the Ukrainian Home for six days. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite works. Authors, as always, will be rewarded.

Of course, the most solemn moment took place on Friday, October 1, when Den’s partners presented awards to top contestants. During the ceremony, the prizewinner of the “Golden Day-2010” was announced, it was Vladislav MUSIENKO with Sisters of Charity photo.

During the opening of the photo exhibit a new book from The Day’s Library Series in two volumes entitled Extract+200 was presented.

Our contributors, protagonists of our publications, and fellow-workers answered one simple question: what is Den/The Day for you? One can read their answers in this issue, and of course see the photo exhibit of Den, through the works of its parti­cipants.

COMMENTARIES

Ricarda RIEGER, director of the UN Development Program in Ukraine:

“At this exhibit I saw much more than in the year I lived in Ukraine! I live in Kyiv, but I travel little to other cities or even local communities. These photos reflect so many colors, vibrations, so much happiness and also sadness, more than I saw during a year!”

Zina KALAY-KLAITMAN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Ukraine:

“I visit this exhibit every year. I like it and think that if it is not the most representative in Ukraine, at least this year it depicts everyday life much more than last year. The photos are very professional, there are some very touching and well done pictures. A great exhibit!”

Vitalii HAIDUK, a famous patron, member of the supervisory board of MIM-Kyiv, and ex-head of a group of advisors to the prime minister of Ukraine:

“I do not single out any works, because this year the exhibit is simply fantastic. It shows the profound and broad character of our country and its people. A person is shown from birth to old age, and the country from the capital to remote villages. In a word, all Ukraine is gathered in one hall. A good and very colorful palette came out as a result. Less politicians, more optimism, everyday life, positive features, light, and warmth. Photographers conveyed a vivid picture of different moments of people’s lives and social instances.

 “In other words, Ukraine in their works looks like a sunny summer day full of optimism. Children, who perceive the world differently than adults, are very interesting too. Each photo radiates optimism, good spirits and positive feelings. Thus, Den is doing something useful for the country.

“On the one hand, high art, great talent, and professionalism reach out to people, and on the other hand, anyone can be involved in this art, since it contains not only works by professionals but also by amateurs. However, this does not decrease the quality of the displayed works. On the contrary, photos are diverse, therefore different people like them. It is important because real art finds a path to each heart. Den does everything the right way.”

Viacheslav YUTKIN, first deputy chairman of the board, Prominvestbank (prizes conferred on Yurii Ivanov’s Without “Dovzhenko” and Yevhen Chorny’s Baptism):

“This year’s photo exhibit is one of the best. I think that two Grand Prix will have to be instituted next year: one for Den’/The Day’s editor-in-chief (for her meritorious contribution to the organization of this exhibit), and a second one for the photo contest’s winner. Yevhen Chorny will receive a special prize for his Baptism. The Grand Prix has been awarded to Yurii Ivanov’s Without ‘Dovzhenko.’ The Grand Prix nomination is highly symbolic, especially for the Kyivites who know and remember the movie theater in the photo (it is being slowly but steadily transformed into ruins). This photo is strongly reminiscent of what has been happening in Kyiv over the past five years.

“In fact, all works on display are strikingly meaningful and masterfully done. I believe that this year’s photo exhibit is very special; the works on display are more about daily life than politics. These photos picture Ukraine the way it she really is, what we see every day, something we create with our own hands.

“I’m also pleased to say that the photographers’ professionalism has been on an upward curve, with each passing year. Quite frankly, every time I hand the winner his/her award — which happens every year — I find myself developing a growing appreciation for [art] photography; I keep learning the secrets of the trade from top-notch photographers. In other words, there is a unique aspect about Den/The Day’s exhibit; it offers a story about Ukraine, its residents, and helps promulgate photography.

“There is no overstatement in my saying that your initiative of launching this photo exhibit will produce a number of professional photographers. Your project deserves public support and attention, given that Ukraine can’t boast of many others like this one, especially on such a creative and intellectual level. Too bad not all of those ranking bureaucrats in the Ukrainian cultural domain are aware of this, but this doesn’t diminish this project’s positive impact on the cultural process in Ukraine.

“Small wonder, considering the main idea is to support politically unaffiliated art, something Den/The Day has been trying so hard to translate into life over the years.

“Exploring these photos, one becomes aware of them being the product of will and affection on the part of the proverbial man in the street — people who spend their leisure taking pictures and creating true art photography works. On this festive occasion I wish Den many happy returns of The Day. For me this newspaper reflects and helps cultivate public and intellectual wisdom.”