Ukrainian Photo Exhibition Presented at European Court of Auditors

On Wednesday 26 June 2024, a photo exhibition by Michael Garrett was showcased at the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

The collection of photographs explores the theme of traditionality and freedom of expression amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. It details Mr Garrett's journey around Ukrainian regions and his experiences with local people who shared personal realities of their lives after February 2022. 

An introduction to the exhibition was made by Mihails Kozlovs, Member of ECA and patron of the event. He expressed his contentment at being a part of this occasion, which he said "expressed solidarity with Ukraine and its people''. He also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange between countries and the necessity to preserve tradition, even in difficult times. Highlighting the Court's efforts to help he concluded with, "we invite you to see Ukraine through a different lens, to appreciate its cultural beauty and richness". 

Inna Yaremenko, Vice-President of LUkraine asbl, made a brief speech thanking the attendees, her colleagues and the photographer for their continued support of Ukraine. She also noted the success of UA Days in Luxembourg, a month-long festival that celebrated cultural exchange between Luxembourg and Ukraine through various events.

Michael Garrett then presented his works, printed and mounted on wooden easels, to the audience. He explained his journey to Ukraine and the fascination with traditional clothing, saying "something quite magical happens when people wear culture on their skin, you especially see it in their eyes". After meeting tens of individuals throughout the photoshoots, Mr Garrett realised that the stories behind still photos were just as important. Thus, he chose to write detailed passages of their individual experiences to highlight the extent to which the ongoing war has impacted, at times even destroyed, routine life. "Culture is something that cannot be destroyed," said the photographer in praise of the beauty of traditional clothing he encountered all over his travels to Ukraine. 

Among the numerous attendees of the exhibition were: Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors, Zacharias Kolias, Secretary General, Tatiana Dniprova and Laima Uktveryte.

The exhibition will continue to be displayed in the European Court of Auditors until 30 June 2024 as part of the UA Days in Luxembourg celebrations from LUkraine asbl.