Reviving Through the Lens: Dmitry Kozatsky's Photo Exhibition
The exhibition showcases various stages of the photographer's life and creativity.
In the Kyiv space 'Pen', a photo exhibition by veteran and photographer Dmitry Kozatsky was launched under the intriguing title 'I Hate Taking Photos'.
During the opening, the artist shared his experiences and story, discussing the challenging path in photography and the emotions that became the foundation of the exhibition's concept. The title of the exhibition became not just a marketing gimmick but a deeply personal statement.
'The title of the exhibition is about pain, as everyone thinks that I really love photographing, but in reality, that's not the case,' admits Dmitry.
After returning from captivity, Dmitry experienced a tough period when photography ceased to bring him joy, and his creative resources were nearly depleted. This time coincided with his work at the Ministry of Defense, where routine replaced creativity.
'Photography often was not driven by inspiration but by necessity. Everyone assumed that if you're a photographer, you must capture something important. And when you work in the Ministry of Defense, the opportunities for shooting are mostly limited,' Dmitry humorously reflects.
However, according to him, a 'certain thaw' is now occurring, and he is gradually returning to his beloved craft. Dmitry also shared that his passion for photography began in his youth when he tried to utilize every possible resource.
Later, during his service in 'Azov', he discovered video, which, according to him, could convey more information than photography.
'I bought a Sony Q6300, which was great for both video and photography. I felt that video could provide more understanding of the situation,' he explains.
This camera captured iconic images from Azovstal that circulated the globe in 2022. The shots became symbols of the struggle and courage of defenders, but for the author, they became a certain burden. Nevertheless, he continues to share these images as they remind of the prisoners of war.
During the conversation, Dmitry touched upon the topic of positive discrimination, which he believes sometimes strips away subjectivity.
'You are constantly invited to photo exhibitions not because you are a great photographer, but because you are a former prisoner of war. This can sometimes feel like objectification. I stated immediately after the exchange that I do not want to be a victim, as that would be a victory for the Russians. I want to be a strong person who has endured all this and emerged with dignity,' he explains.
One of the touching moments of the conversation was the story of how Dmitry began to return to photography.
'My brother's wife baked bread, and it was very beautiful. She asked me to photograph it. I thought I would just snap a picture on my phone, but the bread was so lovely that I got my camera out, arranged some flowers, and set up the light. This moment became a signal: if I want to beautifully photograph bread, then everything is going well,' he recalls with a smile.
The exhibition is divided into several periods of Dmitry's life: from photographs of Azovstal to his work at the Ministry of Defense and trips to Mykolaiv region after the Kakhovka Dam explosion. There are also separate photographs from projects like Superhumans, featuring people preparing for reconstructive surgeries.
Location: Lukyanivska Street, 14 A
