It arrived, as every year, the unmissable event for lovers of photography: the most important festival of photojournalism in Europe, Visa pour l'Image 2010, that we Catalans have the luxury of having only at two hours drive from Barcelona.
The professional week will run from 30 August to 5 September. Since Sunday there were people getting credited in the Palau Pams.
The professional week will run from 30 August to 5 September. Since Sunday there were people getting credited in the Palau Pams.
PALAU PAMSThis year's edition is back in force, improving on the previous year. I would highlight three areas:
The photo of daily events that has strong impacts on violence and injustice that are shaking the planet. It is ,and has always been, the primary role of photojournalism and, with the unprecedented force that has the unique image, we must continue to raise our commitment to such inequality and injustice. As expected, the earthquake in Haiti and the revolt in Thailand bear the palm.
In the World Press Photo , also present here and that the locals from Barcelona will soon enjoy thanks to Photographic Social Vision, there are images that border on the insufferable as the stoning of a man. Are these images that show a death in live ,and that are so awful, should be shown? Just remember about Sakineh Mohammadi Astiani in Iraq ordered to be stoned for adultery. Images of the World Press do not allow us to fall into indifference and makes to add all our forces to prevent such a great barbarity.
In the World Press Photo , also present here and that the locals from Barcelona will soon enjoy thanks to Photographic Social Vision, there are images that border on the insufferable as the stoning of a man. Are these images that show a death in live ,and that are so awful, should be shown? Just remember about Sakineh Mohammadi Astiani in Iraq ordered to be stoned for adultery. Images of the World Press do not allow us to fall into indifference and makes to add all our forces to prevent such a great barbarity.
WORLD PRESS PHOTO. COUVENT DES MINIMES
Other blocks are the retrospectives exhibitions. Two of them superb. Worth to attend Visa pour l'Image 2010 only to see them.
William Klein: New York, Rome, Moscow, Tokyo.
Klein, along with Robert Frank, is the greatest living photographer. His book New York broke with everything that had been in documentary photography before. Today, his pictures have not lost a shred of modernity. They are still great images for this time.
WILLIAM KLEIN EXHIBITION IN LE COUVENT DES MINIMES
William Albert Allard. National Geographic. Five Decades: A Retrospective.
Allard is one of the masters in colour and one of the best National Geographic Magazine’s photographers. I would like to highlight certain phrases in his introductory text to the expo:
"Many of the photographs in this exhibition were made while in the road, in a bar, in the streets, or even walking in the countryside. Often not looking for anything in particular. I used to be receptive to what the chance would like to bring. I just watched".
"When I give a talk to young people I explain that, when they leave to find work (as do virtually everybody must do if they want to have a car or enjoy a home with amenities) think about finding an activity you enjoy doing with all your heart rather than thinking about the money. Not many people can say that. I'll can say it without problem. I know what it is to work all life on a task that fascinates me".
WILLIAM ALBERT ALARD EXHIBITION. COUVENT DES MINIMES
WILLIAM ALBERT ALARD EXHIBITION. COUVENT DES MINIMESThe third block is formed by stories in -depth. I think a great part of the future of photojournalism goes through here. I would highlight:
Polygamy in the U.S. by Stephanie Sinclair of Seven for National Geographic and The New York Times
An intimate look on one of the most closed Mormon sect known for its practice of polygamy.
One wonders, how the hell some photographers get access to these issues?
The Urban Cave by Andrea Star Reese.
For two years this American photographed the lives of these homeless, men and women, living in New York, showing then with great dignity. Under a bridge, in a dilapidated building or in a tunnel, these photographs reveal the beauty of a place and a people.
THE URBAN CAVE. COUVENT DES MINIMESEloi the bubble child by Hubert Fanthomme.
Another in-depth report of the history of this baby and her mother ,who can only embrace and comfort him through the plastic.
The black gold in Chernobyl by Guillaume Herbaut
Twenty years after the catastrophe, the military machine cemeteries and the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine are subject to a full-scale looting.
Great example of work and investigative reporting.
Ian Fisher, an American soldier by Craig F. Walker.
The story followed over two years and a half, this young American soldier since he joined the army, his training, his stay in Iraq and their return home.
Migrants in Calais by Carsten Snejbjerg.
This story was named a 2010 Humanitarian Care award.
In the Arsenal des Carmes are presented some of the best images of the international and French press. You can see Albert Bertran’s Haiti photos done for el Periodico de Catalunya, and there’s also the Diari de Terrassa represented by photographer Cristobal Castro.
DAILY PRESS. ARSENAL DES CARMES And finally, a visit to l'Eglise des Domicains where, among others, is the exhibition of National Geographic photographer specializing in nature, Mike Nichols, The sequoias: the war of timber in California. Stresses a giant 18-meter,colour print, sponsored by Canon, one of the photos of Nichols that stands in the impressive frame of the Church.
MIKE NICHOLS' PHOTO. EGLISE DES DOMINICAINS
