"Ukrainians-Ukrainians" photo exhibit in Kyiv raises questions about identity

KYIV -The photography exhibit titled "Ukrainians-Ukrainians" by Ihor Haidai, which currently on view at the Center for Contemporary Art at the National University of Mohyla Academy, consists of 120 photographs of Ukrainians of various ages, ethnic origins and social status. The photo portraits are all in black and white, using a neutral background, with identical lighting and similar interiors, although they were taken both indoors, in a studio, and outdoors, on the street.

In his attempt to create a collective portrait of Ukrainians, Mr. Haidai raises a series of questions with regard to cultural and national identity in Ukraine. He is also interested in the notion of individuality and individual freedom, i.e., to what extent is the individual influenced or determined by the social context or social role? What differentiates individuals?

These questions, in turn, lead to other questions: to what extent do ethnic Ukrainians differ, if at all, from ethnic Armenians, for example, if both are citizens of Ukraine?

Mr. Haidai goes on to consider such additional questions as where is the boundary, and is there a boundary, between ethnicity and citizenship? As well as to what extent do the "Ukrainians" in the photo portraits differ from viewers of the exhibit? And, to what extent do the photographs of Mr. Haidai, himself a Ukrainian, differ from the photo portraits of, for example, Annie Liebowitz, an American? Where does the difference lie?"

Mr. Haidai's photo series is neither a critical commentary on the state of Ukrainian society, nor a sentimental glorification of the "common man." Aside from the obvious studio quality of Mr. Haidai's photographs, the series is more along the lines of a "report from the scene of action," anchored in the diversity of social roles - be it that of a musician, villager, housewife, artist, actor, politician, student, priest - all of whom, when taken together, comprise the large group called "Ukrainians."

The CCA is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation. The exhibit, which opened October 25 and is on view through November 23, is made possible by support of Kodak-Ukraina, Delonghi and Rodovid publishers.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 26, 2003, No. 43, Vol. LXXI

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