“These photos reveal the essence of all events”

For nearly a month the residents of Poltava and guests of the city have had an opportunity to observe at the exhibition hall of the Poltava Mykola Yaroshenko Art Museum (art gallery) over 200 best photos made in 2014. Over this time 2,500 visitors at the least have come to the exhibit. According to Alla TYMOSHENKO, the head of the department of scientific-mass and exhibit work of Poltava Mykola Yaroshenko Art Museum (art gallery), member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, those were people of different ages and social categories who came both in large groups and alone. “People take interest in the situation. No doubt, this is good. The exposition evokes various feelings, because it shows somewhat provocative photos, like the photo of two odious presidents of Ukraine and Russia [the photo of the meeting of Yanukovych and Putin was placed at the entrance. – Author]. On the whole, the photos presented have sharp plots and dynamics, and, in my opinion, they are very interesting. The person who comes here for a certain period of time is unable to assess all the photo plots. It is good that there are many pictures, but only a part of them will stay in the memory of the visitors. I know people who have come for three to five times to view every picture in more detail.”

One of the partners in the organization of Den’s Days in Poltava, rector of Korolenko Poltava National Pedagogical University, Prof. Mykola STEPANENKO noted: “This exhibit is a painful response to the challenges of the day. Its content was impressive. The day has just ended, but it is nicely documented in pictures and it influences every visitor in such an emotional way that nobody is left indifferent. They have managed to unite sad topics with light and joyful, with life. That is why I think this exhibit is a special event in our artistic life. People will be talking about it for a long time, because its result was substantial. In my opinion, it has influenced the minds of people, making their patriotism more acute and called even by-standers to contemplation. But when the by-standers found themselves in this artistic whirl, they lost their indifference and joined the ranks of worthy people who live with Ukraine and who have Ukraine in their hearts.”

“In these photos I saw real Ukraine as it is,” Stepanenko continues, “Our country today is a step away from great danger. Ukraine that is suffering losses. Ukraine that is fighting for freedom and independence. Maybe we should act this way, talk this way, and present the events as they are, without playing down. We should face the future with courage, in order to have prospects tomorrow, to know how to act and how to live. I share the opinion of one of our teachers who offered to create a constant exposition within the walls of our university based on a part of the photos. First, these photos are real works of art. Second, they document a certain period of Ukrainian history. Third, these photos will be important even when the peace comes. If it is possible, I will support such initiative and will be grateful to the owners if they give their permission.”

ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE VOTING OF POLTAVA RESIDENTS, THE AUDIENCE’S FAVORITE IS THE PHOTO MADE BY THE DAY’S PHOTO JOURNALIST MYKOLA TYMCHENKO FAREWELL

“I have been going through catharsis, which I experienced during my visit to the exhibit, for a month. And I   have been there more than once. I catch myself quoting the ideas and concepts Larysa Ivshyna expressed at a roundtable with Poltava residents during my lectures and meetings with my curator’s group. In particular, the book she presented me with, Ukraine Incognita. TOP 25,” said Hlib KUDRIASHOV, associate professor of journalism department of Korolenko Poltava National Pedagogic University. “I can see that after visiting the exhibit the students go through an inner discussion, which is not publicly demonstrated, but perhaps they are giving answers to the conflicts we are now witnessing. I mean this is hitting several goals at once. Both informational and emotional fields of every person. I am sure that our pedagogue-students will for sure bring the new ideas and thoughts they had after seeing the photos to the school classes. This exhibit has become an event of oblast scale. I think Poltava residents who have seen the best photos of the 16th Den’s International Photo Contest will agree with me: we want to see Den’s 17th and 18th photo exhibits in our city. Once again I am inviting Larysa Ivshyna on behalf of our university community to come and hold a roundtable in a student class.”

Many new responses have emerged in the guest book. Below are some of them:

“Thank you for the exhibit. It made me ponder over our life. It has evoked different emotions,” an anonymous commentator wrote. Another anonymous comment: “Dear creators of the exhibit! You are talented people who feel the need to show to us, ordinary citizens, in today’s atmosphere the war in all of its manifests. This exhibit is very touching, funny, hateful, nice, and sincere at the same time. Near these photo one can cry, laugh, and be angry at our politicians.”