Belgian photographer's Maidan exhibit marks 10th anniversary in Kyiv
Photographs made by Belgian photographer Jim Sumkay after the Maidan revolution in Ukraine will be exhibited in Kyiv to mark the 10th anniversary of the protest movement. The exhibition will take place in a public space and will show the atmosphere of the largest demonstration in Ukraine's modern history.
The Liège-based photographer first visited Kyiv in 2010, taking hundreds of photos of the daily lives of ordinary people there. "When I heard about the events in Maidan Square in Kyiv in 2014, I wanted to put together an exhibition about the Ukrainian capital," he says. "After consulting the ULiège [University of Liège], I finally got a budget that allowed me to travel to Kiev in early March 2014."
There, Sumkay was struck by the atmosphere in the city after the deadly clashes, which claimed the lives of 107 protesters. "The protesters set up numerous tents and food distributions were organised. You saw people from all social classes going there," he said. He was also present at the commemorations organised in honour of the killed protesters.
"The protesters set up numerous tents and food distributions were organised. You saw people from all social classes going there"
The exhibition, organised until 21 April on Kontraktova Square with the support of the city of Liège, will be inaugurated on Monday in the presence of Belgium's ambassador to Ukraine, Peter Van de Velde. A version with more photos will also be on display at the museum dedicated to the Maidan Revolution.
The Maidan Revolution, which began in November 2013, led to the deposition of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych on 22 February 2014 and the return of the 2004 constitution, which curtailed the president's powers.
Sumkay is the only Belgian to exhibit as part of the commemorations.
© BELGA PHOTO HAND OUT VOLODYMYR SERDIUK
Related news
