Deported People’s Return: View Of A Talented Crimean Photo Artist

Arvydas Shemetas, a Ukrainian photographer of Lithuanian origin with more than 30 year of experience, is a winner of prestigious international contests and a laureate of multiple prizes. Mr. Shemetas was already an adult when the deported people started returning to Crimea where he grew up. He presented  58 photos of his 40,000 archive on the repatriates. The exhibition called “Qyatmaq...” (Cr.Tat. “To Return...”) opened under the aegis of the All-Crimean Social Organisation “Emel” in Bakhchisaray cultural architecture complex “Zincirlı Medrese” on May 16.

An old blooming peach tree on the logo straining its branches towards the clear sky symbolizes, at artist’s intention, revival of Crimean Tatars people on their native land. The photographer presented both pictures of common people and celebrities from the very first days upon returning of the deported people and their descendants. One can see the Crimean Tatars’ accomplishment and household during the first years upon returning to the peninsula, numerous picketing and demonstrations they facilitated in order to defend their rights for the land, gatherings at special dates.

The photo artist demonstrates delicate skill of catching the moment and reproducing emotions, like joy and pain of returning home, smiles and tears, grieving and love.

Young talented Crimean Tatars recited the Ms. Lilya Bujurova’s poem “Unbought ticket” for the quests and sand the Crimean Tatar song “Vatanım Qırım” (“My Homeland, Crimea”). HEad of Bakhchisaray District State Administration Mr. Ilmi Umerov thanked the photographer for his  emotional works and presented him a Crimean tatar Tamga-shaped badge. Mr. Konstantin Rubanenko, Mayor of Bakhchisaray, in his turn, proposed the author to arrange a similar exhibition at Bakhchisaray Townhall.