Exhibition curators:

lecturers of the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture

Alfiorov A.M., member of the Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine,

Pavlov O.A., member of the Union of Photographers of Ukraine

A beginning, a first step, is always a matter of responsibility. The presented photo and video works by students of the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture are no longer part of their academic assignments. They are, in fact, the first and, we hope, free step into the world of contemporary art, free from dogmas, prohibitions, and triviality. When selecting the works, we tried to see what young people live by and dream about, and what their creative potential is. The diversity of forms, textures of life, and meanings inspired us when selecting the works of the young authors. In the Art Basement space of the Municipal Gallery, 24 participants presented their photographic works. Video art projects are presented by 14 creative groups from the Faculty of Cinema and Television Arts.

Let us wish our students a fair wind in our “turbulent world,” attentive viewers, and good luck on their creative path!

For many people, creativity is one of the ways of self-realization. And therefore every creative person wants to be heard and seen. Such an opportunity was given to students of the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture through participation in the student exhibition “Free First Step.”

Each of the students wanted to share their view of the world with those around them. Undoubtedly, the participants of the photo exhibition try to look closely at reality and notice what makes it beautiful. After all, many people pass by and do not notice all the beauty of a landscape or the uniqueness of an event.

The exhibition presents works of various genres: portrait, landscape, reportage, still life, etc. Thanks to this exhibition, students have the opportunity not only to display their photographs in the gallery, but also to establish feedback with exhibition visitors and receive their share of criticism, since anyone interested will be able to write their opinion about the works, and for the author this is always very important. Holding our first photo exhibition is undoubtedly an exciting event for us, the participants!

Second-year student specializing in “Television Camera Operator”

Faculty of Cinema and Television Arts

Kharkiv State Academy of Culture

Yuliia Krasko