Photographs by Wilton S. Tifft cover "Ukraine: In the Aftermath"

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The exhibit "Ukraine: In the Aftermath - Photographs by Wilton S. Tifft" opens on Saturday, June 12, in the photographer's hometown at the newly renovated Arnot Art Museum (235 Lake St.). The entire museum, four galleries on two floors, will be given over to the exhibition.

Also on exhibit will be tapestries, embroidery, ceramics, as well as Trypillian artifacts and pottery that form part of Mr. Tifft's extensive collection.

The exhibit opens June 12 with a reception at 5-7 p.m. The event will be catered by St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church Parish, which will provide Ukrainian food for the occcasion.

The exhibit documents Ukraine and its people in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union. In Mr. Tifft's words, it brings to life "a people's life and existence which until now has been invisible to the outside world ... [accessing] ... the multi-tiered and complex layers of Ukraine's stratified society and cultures." The exhibit, which represents all regions of Ukraine, was originally shown at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv in 1993 and subsequently traveled for a year throughout Ukraine.

Mr. Tifft, a skilled photographer with an impressive list of credentials, brings years of study and extensive travel throughout Ukriane to the exhibit. Starting in 1991 he has visited some 1,320 towns and cities in Ukraine; his slides and negatives total more than 43,000.

Mr. Tifft is the author of two books (published in 1970 and 1990) on the United States immigration station on Ellis Island and its immigrant history. He is the recipient of prestigious awards, and his works have been presented at many shows and are on permanent display at leading institutes and museums.

"Ukraine: In the Aftermath" runs through September 5. A 40-page catalogue that accompanies the exhibit will be available at the museum. For additional information call the Arnot Art Museum, (607) 734-3697.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, May 30, 1999, No. 22, Vol. LXVII

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