Art & Transformation - the Ukrainian Village Voices
An Assembled Portrait of the Ukrainian Village Voices
Prior to photographing an event I always make sure to scout the location and run-of-show. That was how I learned that an unannounced opening musical piece had been added to this year’s AMP Awards. First the screens would display title cards accompanied by silence that reminded everyone it had been three months to the day that Russian forces had invaded Ukraine in an act of war followed by a refugee crisis the likes of which has not been seen since World War II. In acknowledgement and support of the Ukrainian struggle, AMP organizers had asked the 14-member a cappella Ukrainian Village Voices to perform a folk song in their native tongue.
When I learned of this I made it my business to arrive early at the venue, Sony Theatre in order to watch the sound check. These tech and blocking warmups are always a great way to study what’s going to happen in advance so as not to miss any key visual moments during the performance.
I found the piece incredibly moving and the group’s harmonies exceptional. It was an incredible reminder of the transformative power and necessity of art in times of harsh realities.
Having a few extra moments before the house opened, I hustled three levels down in the bowels of the building below West 46th Street to the dressing rooms. I asked UVV if they’d pose for a group photo. I wanted to get a good portrait of everyone and due to the size of the group, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to return to an old technique of mine: the assembled portrait. They were game but of course “where?” was the question of the moment. Given the few moments that we had the stairwell, ironically painted deep red, was the best place to work.
In addition, I’ve created a very short video to provide an example of the piece performed.
Thanks to the Ukrainian Village Voices and, once again, to the AMP organizing team Georg Bissen, Jeff Rosner, Matt Miller, Al Risi, Phil Schuster and Anthony Vagnoni for staging an awards show that goes beyond the boundaries of what is expected, for reminding us that what we do is important, and making this show one of the most exciting to witness and document.
#montaukphotographer #hattrickstudio #ukrainianvillagevoices #standwithukraine #amp2022 #stopthewar
Thanks to the UVV and, once again, to the AMP organizing team Georg Bissen, Jeff Rosner, Matt Miller, Al Risi, Phil Schuster and Anthony Vagnoni for staging an awards show that goes beyond the boundaries of what is expected, for reminding us that what we do is important, and making this show one of the most exciting to witness and document.
#montaukphotographer #hattrickstudio #ukrainianvillagevoices #standwithukraine #amp2022 #stopthewar
