On November 24, 2013, approximately 100,000 civilians joined together in Kiev’s Independence Square (locally known as Maidan), to protest against the Ukrainian government’s decision to reject a proposed political and trade accord with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Russia. A few days later, riot police began to beat the demonstrators. New anti-protest laws were imposed and the demonstrators prepared to defend themselves with force. Violence escalated in December, January and February and the first demonstrators were killed.
The government resigned and elections were called for May 2014. In March, a ‘referendum’ encouraged by the Russian government was held in Crimea: the majority of voters backed the region joining Russia and leaving Ukraine. Ukraine is in crisis: the people have protested, a president has tumbled and borders have been disputed and breached. The political fabric and cultural identity of a nation have been questioned, challenged and continue to be disrupted.
Exhibiting photographers: Alexander Chekmenev (Ukraine), Maxim Dondyuk (Ukraine), Corentin Fohlen (France), Louisa Gouliamaki (Poland), Brendan Hoffman (USA), Tom Jamieson (UK), Marco Kesseler (UK), Anastasia Taylor-Lind (UK/ Sweden), Donald Weber (USA), Emine Ziyatdinova (Ukraine)
EXHIBITION
Shift: Ukraine in crisis
May 3 – June 22, 2014
Third Floor Gallery
Third Floor, 102 Bute Street
CF10 5AD, Cardiff
United Kingdom
