“Sunshine children”

The exhibition hall of the National League of Artists’ Kherson oblast branch is displaying “Sunshine Children,” a project by the local photographer Oleksandr Andriushchenko. The exposition comprises 47 pictures of Down syndrome children. The number of works is symbolic – it is the number of chromosomes in the people affected by this syndrome.

Andriushchenko took up this theme a year ago. He conducted several photo sessions of “sunshine children” and displayed the works on his own website. His admirers warmly received the pictures. There was soon an exhibition at the Regional Oles Honchar Library. The current exposition aims to mark World Down Syndrome Day which is observed on March 21.

The author says he is deeply absorbed with this subject and has made friends with his models. The project is aimed at drawing attention to the problem of indifference and hostility in society and showing that people with Down syndrome are not worse or better than others – they are also members of society and must enjoy equal opportunities. “I am a child, I am not Down syndrome” is the slogan Andriushchenko chose for his project.

“I launched my social photo project ‘Sunshine Children’ exactly a year ago. It’s so wonderful to do good things! Some people cannot see the motivation and are looking for underwater reefs and hidden benefits to benefactors. But there is only one benefit – to make the surrounding world better. Not only for oneself, without an exaggeration. And if your name is not Shapokliak, I think you will understand me,” Andriushchenko points out.

The author says he will continue photographing “sunshine children,” and this will be a long-term project. So we can expect a new exposition soon.