Kyiv Gallery Exhibits Photographs from Rosh Hashanah in Uman

10.09.2013, 08:53
Kyiv Gallery Exhibits Photographs from Rosh Hashanah in Uman - фото 1
In Ihor Hayday’s cozy and no less conceptual photo gallery called Camera, which is in the center of the capital, Maksym Dondyuk’s photo exhibit “Uman, Rosh Hashanah” has opened. The photos on display were taken over the course of five years (2008-2012).

In Ihor Hayday’s cozy and no less conceptual photo gallery called Camera, which is in the center of the capital, Maksym Dondyuk’s photo exhibit “Uman, Rosh Hashanah” has opened. The photos on display were taken over the course of five years (2008-2012). The journalist was one of the first to join the annual celebration, gradually becoming “one of theirs” among the Hasidim. At the exhibit, visitors can find 21 photographs, each of which tells a little story from the celebration of the Jewish New Year at the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

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Already from looking at the first photo the viewer is immersed in the unforgettable atmosphere of quiet Uman, which for a short week turns into an international pilgrimage center. The photographer managed to aptly and succinctly create extraordinary images of the Hasidim, from small children to the oldest Jews, the faces of which reflect the whole gamut of emotions and experiences.

The main element of each photo is the Hasidic hat, with or without fur, and sometimes with a plastic covering to protect them from the rain. The exhibit instantly brings the viewer to the table of the Hasidim, where there are a variety of dishes along with the usual bottles of Fanta, Sprite, and Pepsi. Uman by Dondyuk is a photo of a ceremonial Torah, which is surrounded by all the pilgrims; Jews on a roof who are watch the celebration from above, like proud eagles; a small boy asleep on his father's lap at a desk; and old Hasid, playing the guitar...

Almost in every composition there are children who can no longer be called young because of their severe adult looks. They look at the camera with full responsibility, knowing all the essence of the annual event. If the seriousness does not prevail in each composition, then at least it leaves a trace in every work, even if it is dedicated to a joyous celebration.

The special atmosphere of the photographs can be felt by looking at the figure of an old Hasid, who stands over the grave of the rabbi, immersed in his thoughts. One of the most striking photos is of a Jew in soft knit kippah who plays the violin against the background of another Hasid who stands naked on the brink of the river. In addition, the central motif of the photographs is a tree reminiscent of the Tree of Life in Kabbalah, which appears in various corners of the photographs. Perhaps it is the creative vision of the author, or, perhaps, a symbolic coincidence.

Maksym Dondyuk first arrived in Uman in 2008, having received an assignment from his editor. Later he took an annual leave to attend the celebration and express his creativity through his pictures of the Hasidim.

“When you stand in the crowd, as if at a concert, you cannot help but feel the emotion, vibration of voices, and buzz of the earth, you cannot remain on the sidelines. This is my attempt to dive into the environment; I take pictures of all that for me reflects this event in order to fully convey the atmosphere. The camera is only a tool, photographs convey emotions, all that I feel. Even though I do not belong to the Hasidim, I began to perceive Rosh Hashanah as a holiday, it is continuous joy, dancing, fun – like a real New Year,” said the photographer.

The photo exhibit is open from September 5 to 30, in Ihor Hayday’s gallery Camera, located in Kyiv at 22 Prorizna Street, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Wednesday.

Максим Дондюк. Умань, Рош-Га-Шана

Максим Дондюк. Умань, Рош-Га-Шана

Максим Дондюк. Умань, Рош-Га-Шана

Максим Дондюк. Умань, Рош-Га-Шана

Tetyana Mukhomorova