I had the pleasure of seeing the World Press Photo 2008 exhibition in Sydney this afternoon. Every year I find myself transfixed by these photos, appreciating them more as I learn about photography through my own activities.
I was astounded at how many people were at the exhibition, but even more surprised by people's reactions and behaviour to the photos. I can only describe it as being 'detached'.
There were photos that held me, enthralled, that moved me, that sent shivers up my spine.
Yet, when I sat down to look around, people would look at these photos, read the accompanying comments and then move on, with no sign of impact. Are the events these photos depict, in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Ukraine, Kenya, Nigeria… are they all so far away from the reality here? Are people that detached that these photos aren't able to move them? It's a feeling I haven't quite been able to shake…
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