Photographic optimism

After the successful launch of our newspaper’s photo exhibit at the Ukrainian Home, it went straight to the Kyiv branch of the World Bank, where for the last two weeks the bank’s employees and their partners and guests have had a chance to enjoy the photographs on display. According to Dmytro Derkach, the head of the External Affairs Office, among those who have seen the exhibit are representatives of Ukraine’s health, education, finance, and economy ministries. According to the bank employees, the photographs have added a colorful splash of life to their office. Everyone has commented that the show is very positive and optimistic and shows the high level of Ukrainian press photography. It was gratifying to learn that every employee has his/her favorite photographer, themes, and pictures. Some employees of the World Bank office in Kyiv shared their impressions with us.

Dmytro KONYK, supervisor of UNICEF information projects:

“Your newspaper’s photo exhibit is very popular. What I like is that the show mostly reflects social topics. Unfortunately, Ukrainian press photography features mainly politics and show business. The school of photography specializing in social problems is underdeveloped in our country. So this exhibit goes a long to forming such a school. I am no stranger to The Day’s photography shows. These kinds of events help professionals and amateurs share experiences and ideas with each other. This is important. I would like to see more photographs focused on children’s problems and rights, not just glossy pictures or ‘family albums,’ but photos that raise problems. This is hard to do, but it’s necessary.”

Iryna SHKUT, administrative and finance department, World Bank:

“I saw the photo exhibit at the Ukrainian Home and I liked it very much. I helped set up the show at the World Bank. I don’t like depressing photos, so I like all those that don’t show poverty and misery. The photo captions are very apt: you discover a lot of new things when you read them. This is not the first time that I am seeing the show. I think that it has improved: the photos are brighter and more creative, they are not simply ascertaining a fact.”

Oleksii SLENZAK, senior coordinator of the Environmental Protection Office, World Bank:

“The exhibit is diverse and there are many impressions and emotions. It’s impressive first and foremost for its quality, professionalism, and excellent selection of pictures. I liked a lot of them, especially those that capture the mood of life’s momentum. My favorites are photos that convey ordinary emotions, like joy or sadness and those that have a sense of humor. All the pictures are as diversified as life.”

Oksana MARTSENIUK, associate of the Project Portfolio Administration, World Bank:

“The pictures of old people are very nice, and the photos of UPA soldiers are wonderful. I liked the pictures of children, too. This is my first visit to The Day’s exhibit, and I have only positive impressions.”

Viktor LUKIANENKO, translation coordinator, World Bank:

“All the pictures are very interesting. There are serious photographs and funny ones, which is what makes this show attractive. The pictures have made our work at the office more pleasant. Of course, I am no professional, but I think that the level of Ukrainian press photography is high. I loved the photo of the old couple. I also liked the animal photos, including the picture of the cats fighting over a fish while the fisherman is fishing on the riverbank. It’s fantastic. And, of course, I liked the pictures of children.”

Oleksandr KALIBERDA, senior project coordinator, World Bank:

“There is a feeling of buoyancy here, even though there are many pictures of elderly people in everyday, sometimes curious, situations. The exhibit is very diverse and has something for every taste. This is the first time I’m seeing your photography show. In my opinion, Ukrainian press photography is highly competitive and at the same time it precedes the words of journalists. This is evident.”

Ihor OLIINYK, consultant to health protection programs, Human Development Department, World Bank:

“Everything that we see in real life is here, but at the same time the photos make you stop and think. I liked the photos reflecting everyday life and everything that is happening both in big and small cities.”

Tom MONASTYRSKY, consultant to the Public Voice Project:

“It is very interesting to look at the people who live in Ukraine. The pictures don’t show buildings or scenery but people. I think we should think about people, and these pictures remind us of this. Every photo has its own history and we can contemplate it.”