A talented look at Ukraine

A group of The Day’s journalists visited Kharkiv on Feb. 16. Frankly we had long waited for this trip and, naturally, prepared for it as best we could. A readers’ conference dedicated to The Day’s Library Series was for the first time held at one of Ukraine’s most prestigious universities, V. Karazin Kharkiv National University, the history of which dates back two hundred years. A photo exhibit was organized at the ABEK Gallery which is correctly regarded as one of the best in the east of Ukraine. In 2001 The Day’s exposition at the Kharkiv Art Museum attracted keen public interest.

Our new exposition consisted of 120 colorful photos reflecting a variety of subjects. Before that it was a great success at the Ostroh Academy. The Day‘06 photo exhibit proved a spectacular success in Kyiv last September marking the newspaper’s 10th anniversary.

“I am asked sometimes why add to our worries by staging these photo exhibits, considering that running a newspaper means enough hard work,” the Editor in Chief Larysa Ivshyna said during the opening ceremony.” However, photos are indispensable where words are not enough or unable to convey a message. People tend to trust their feelings and emotions. It should be noted that photos form a separate history at our newspaper. We have spent ten years trying to cultivate a talented view on Ukraine and ourselves, a critical and ironical one, often lacking in emotional content. But this view has always been kind and affectionate.” Olena Stronova, the chief editor of Kharkiv’s prestigious newspaper Vremia, noted: “I can tell you that I read a lot of things between the lines in The Day. They say that a good reader makes a good newspaper. I am very glad that there is a periodical in Ukraine that does not spare money, time, and energy in visiting the regions - not just to build its image and increase its print run, but in carrying out its journalist mission. I am sure that this exposition is doomed to success.”

KNU Rector Vil Bagirov examined the display and decided that he would bring his family on Sunday. “One feels like spending hours in front of every photo. Every photo is emotionally very strong. Each is a scene from our daily paradoxical, funny, emotional, sometimes even shameful life, but that’s how we live,” he said.

Followed an informal part of the event, to the accompaniment of the 3+2 Ensemble that performed folk and classical music. People exchanged impressions: “I liked that photo with an old woman holding ballots which she can’t figure out. It’s symbolic. That’s what happens to us in our daily life when ordinary people don’t understand what’s actually happening.”

Traditionally people visiting the exhibit will vote for the best photos.