A Pulitzer-Prize winning photographer from Northern Ireland has said the people of Ukraine must not be forgotten after two years of war.
Cathal McNaughton from Cushendall travelled to Ukraine last year, capturing powerful portraits of civilians as life continues after the Russian invasion.
The collection of images entitled ‘Ukraine – Searching for the Normal’ is currently on display at the Belfast Exposed photography gallery on Donegall Street.
Among the emotionally powerful images include a young girl on a scooter in front of damaged Russian tanks and a man resting his head on the coffin of a Ukranian fighter pilot.
Earlier this year, Mr McNaughton commented that while media focus had shifted to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the world should not turn a blind eye to Ukraine.
“Regardless of how many column inches it is currently getting the war is still going on and colleagues continue to risk their lives to shine a light into the dark corners,” he said.
An honour to have a few pics in @epa_images selection of images of the year from Ukraine. Regardless of how many column...
Posted by Cathal McNaughton on Wednesday 29 November 2023
The celebrated photographer won his Pulitzer in 2018 for his coverage of the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
He also previously worked as chief photographer for Reuters in India as well as covering stories across Europe.
The Belfast Exposed gallery said his Ukraine collection “exemplifies his unmatched skill and empathy as a visual storyteller, vividly narrating the tale of a nation grappling with the turmoil of war while striving to maintain an aspect of everyday life.”
Gentle reminder folks that we remain closed today but will reopen tomorrow (Thursday 4th) for Late Night Art Belfast from 6pm. We will have two new exhibitions for you, one from Pulitzer Prize-winning Cathal McNaughton and another from local documentary photographer and writer Stuart Bailie with his love letter to Belfast legend Terri Hooley. We got Stuart and Terri together recently for a wee chat ahead of the show and following the publication of Stuart’s new book (*cough* available in our bookstore *cough*). Thanks to Aimee at NEO for the video. We are thrilled that all three gents will be with us for the opening night of their respective shows and it promises to be another great night. We hope to see you then! From us all at Belfast Exposed we hope you had an enjoyable and restful Easter.
Posted by Belfast Exposed Photography Gallery on Wednesday 3 April 2024
