Watch the video above: Photo exhibit reflects crisis in Ukraine
SASKATOON – This week a photographic exhibition is being held at the Musee Ukraina Museum in Saskatoon.
It depicts the crisis in Ukraine and the exhibition is also a fundraiser to support the families of those impacted by the violence overseas.
There’s anger and heartache in some of the photos taken in Kyiv, but in others, there’s hope.
The exhibit’s curator Taras Polataiko is a renowned Ukrainian-Canadian artist. He reached out to six photographers in Kyiv and asked them to send him their photos.
Polataiko says the shots are filled with protesters who never wanted turmoil, only freedom.
“These are not soldiers. They are people like me and you. You have to decide if you’re going to be a slave, or stand up for your dignity,” he explained.
In early March, the Saskatchewan government pledged $60,000 for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
“We have a very strong Ukrainian community and a very strong organized community, and just within the last couple of weeks we’ve come together with the opportunity to host this event, and the museum definitely wanted to be a participant,” said Martin Hyniuk, Musee Ukraina board member.
Crimea is set to hold a referendum on Sunday on whether to merge with Russia.
Russia vetoed a UN resolution declaring Sunday’s referendum illegal.
READ MORE: Crimea votes on Ukraine split
“What’s happening in Crimea right now, it’s unconstitutional, and I can’t begin to fathom that another government can come in and step in the way that Russia is right now,” said Andrea Kopylech, with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ Saskatoon branch.
She said local Ukrainian-Canadians are left praying that democracy and freedom will eventually prevail.
The exhibition will run every night at 7 p.m. until March 21.
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