World Press Photography Awards. Every year I go to this and every year I come away with a different perspective on the world. Less and less you see the types images displayed at World Press Photo printed in commercial newspapers. More and more celebrity and fear mongering are gracing the front pages, reinforcing stereotypes and dumbing down readers. Stories appear in the paper one day, only to be pushed aside for the next big thing the following day.
Yes some of these images are confronting, but the world is confronting. People need to be shown the grass roots effect of war, gangland crime, famine and global catastrophes. Not a birds-eye-view from above, but see the effects on the people, their faces of mourning and helplessness.
If more of this was shown it wouldproduce greater understanding and sympathy amongst the world. There would be less hatred and intolerance as our similarities were pushed forward.
In terms of the exhibition itself I found it interesting that a retouched image won, as photojournalists usually hold fast to the purity of their work. It’s a fantastic image, but perhaps it’s a turning point for a retouched news image to win such a prestigious award.
Everybody should go see this exhibition, it’s on at the Powerhouse in Brisbane now but tours around the world every year.
