You're reading: World Press Photo exhibit is finally here

Early each year, the jury of World Press Photo picks out the best press photos of the previous year, and the picks then travel the world. Now World Press Photo 2011 has finally come to Kyiv.

Although it’s a wonderful exhibition, it’s also very disturbing. It makes you realize how much violence and death there is in the world, and that it makes the main subject for many photographers.

Most categories feature social issues, and the winning photos is that of a young Afghan woman with her nose cut off to punish her for leaving her husband.

“This contest is very much focused on politics. The quality of the photo goes second after it,” explains Igor Gaidai, a photographer.

“If you are not aware of that, you can be revolted by what you see at the exhibition.”

Gaidai said he realized at some point how natural it is for photo journalists to concentrate on the most painful subjects in the world. That’s when the exhibition gained meaning for him.

Lavra Gallery. March 3-22. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Hr 20