Latest news with #Xposure2025
Sharjah 24
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi attends closing of Xposure
Xposure 2025 took place from February 20 to 26 at Aljada, Sharjah, offering an immersive space where photography, film, and visual arts converged to push creative boundaries and redefine the role of visual storytelling in today's world. Closing remarks by His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay In his closing remarks, His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, reflected on the festival's evolution, noting: "Xposure is no longer just about photography. on Wednesday, cinema and documentary filmmaking are integral to its fabric, standing alongside exhibitions by some of the world's most renowned photographers and visual artists. This festival has grown into a crucible of thought and creativity—an event that reimagines the role of the lens in documenting life and shaping the future." He also paid tribute to the vision of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, highlighting his role in elevating Xposure's global stature: "For nine years, Your Highness, you have been the driving force behind this journey—guiding its direction, inspiring the team, and ensuring that Xposure remains a global benchmark for excellence in photography and visual storytelling." Exclusive behind-the-scenes film Following the speeches, attendees viewed an exclusive behind-the-scenes film showcasing the meticulous preparations for Xposure 2025, highlighting the extensive efforts behind the festival's success, key moments from the weeklong program, and the work of participating photographers from across the globe. Honouring distinguished contributors At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi honoured distinguished photographers, filmmakers, and guest experts, as well as participating Arab and international photography associations and federations. He also recognised the festival's partners and sponsors, joining them for a commemorative photo session. Expanding the horizons of photography Xposure 2025 went beyond conventional photography, embracing contemporary trends and emerging technologies. For the first time, the festival introduced a new category within the International Photography Awards, dedicated to AI-generated photography—marking a pivotal moment in the conversation around digital imagery and the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the festival hosted the 4th Environmental Summit, welcoming an esteemed lineup of photographers and journalists who have dedicated their careers to documenting environmental conservation and biodiversity. A Celebration of visual storytelling Over seven days, Xposure 2025 transformed into a dynamic space for engaging discussions, masterclasses, and immersive experiences. Curated exhibitions featured over 2,500 powerful images from more than 300 internationally acclaimed photographers, showcasing compelling visual narratives from around the world. The festival also hosted Xposure Talks, where industry leaders and visionaries shared insights and perspectives on the evolving role of photography and visual arts. Education and skill development Education played a central role in this edition, with skill-building workshops, portfolio reviews, and mentorship opportunities providing invaluable learning experiences for both emerging and professional photographers. Documentary film screenings brought powerful global narratives to life, while the photography equipment showcase introduced audiences to the latest innovations from leading imaging brands. Relocation to Aljada The festival's relocation to Aljada also introduced an open-air exhibition format, enhancing audience engagement and creating new interactive experiences for visitors. Attendance and legacy The closing ceremony was attended by top officials, including Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Authority; Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; and many other distinguished guests. As the curtains fall on this year's edition, Xposure 2025 leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, innovation, and impact, having sparked meaningful conversations on the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. The festival continues to redefine the role of imagery in shaping global narratives, reaffirming its commitment to the power of photography as a force for change.
Sharjah 24
26-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Chernobyl's Human Hubris: Insights from NG's Gert Ludwig
German-American lensman Gerd Ludwig, who made 13 visits to the contaminated Exclusion Zone over a 30-year period to chronicle the environmental and human tragedy, narrated his story through pictures from the disaster zone in Pripyat in present-day northern Ukraine. Ludwig stated that the accident which happened on April 26, 1986 in Reactor 4 in the erstwhile Soviet Union had triggered a fire that lasted 10 days, driving 250,000 people from their homes. Ludwig, who covered big-budget stories for National Geographic on Russia after the fall of the USSR including the pollution of the Ural River, first went to the Chernobyl site on a helicopter soon after the Soviet government revealed the accident 36 hours after its occurrence. 'I convinced them to fly closer to the reactor than was originally allowed,' he pointed out. He made further trips documenting the reactor and the graveyard of contaminated equipment. 'In 2003 for the first time, I was able to enter deeper into the reactor than any Western photographer dressed in protective gear with 3 mm thick plastic overalls, Geiger counters and dosimeters. I followed a group of workers that were only allowed to work a single shift of 15 minutes a day. We rushed through dimly lit tunnels strewn with wires and debris, and I had to be careful not to trip. The adrenaline rush was extraordinary. I had to make a meaningful picture in such a short amount of time, knowing that I might never be able to return to that space,' Ludwig added. Working under enormous time and radiation pressure, Ludwig ventured deeper than any other Western photographer, repeatedly documenting the destroyed reactor, the ghost town of Pripyat that has found tourism potential, and the people of the region who continue to suffer medically and mentally. The clock that stopped at the time of the accident, the 92-year-old lady who has returned to die in her own soil instead of a hospital elsewhere, the sarcophagus or huge arch at the entrance to Chernobyl built with $2 billion worth donations from 45 countries, and nature reclaiming the devastated zone have all been captured by Ludwig's lens. 'I have met so many people who were opening their hearts and minds and their meagre living areas just in order to tell the world that maybe they can help to prevent future accidents like Chernobyl. I see my work in general as a warning to human hubris that not everything that is humanly possible is also wise,' he concluded. Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2025 came to a close on February 26.
Jordan Times
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Xposure 2025: the power of photography in exposing int'l injustices
In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth (Photo by Maria Weldali) SHARJAH – In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth. Held in Sharjah, this year's festival brings together some of the world's most influential photographers and visual storytellers, each armed with a camera and a mission—to expose, document and provoke. From the frontlines of conflict to the depths of environmental crises, Xposure 2025 is more than a celebration of photography. It is a testament to the power of images to hold those in power accountable and give voice to the silenced. Speaking with The Jordan Times on the sidelines of the festival, Svetlana Bachevanova, a photojournalist and an advocate for human rights through visual storytelling, discussed how photojournalism cuts through propaganda and misinformation. Bachevanova said that photojournalism's ability to pierce through propaganda lies in its capacity to capture undeniable realities. 'Ensuring the authenticity of photojournalistic work requires rigorous validation, including in-person consultations with photographers to verify that images remain unaltered. For example, the recent publication Ukraine: A War Crime—a 540-page volume documenting war crimes in Ukraine—engaged directly with its photographer to uphold accuracy,' she said. 'The human element and social interaction are indispensable, especially in an era where AI-driven visual storytelling may, in some cases, undermine the authenticity and emotional depth of human narratives.' 'The first step in verifying the integrity of a photograph is establishing trust in the photographer,' Bachevanova said. On the ethical implications of AI-generated visuals, Bachevanova cautioned that such content could distort reality, making it critical for photojournalists to clearly distinguish between authentic photographs and AI-generated images. 'AI visuals can blur the lines, and photojournalists must be vigilant in maintaining the integrity of their work,' she said. As the director of FotoEvidence, an organization dedicated to supporting documentary photographers who expose injustice worldwide, Bachevanova reflected on the challenges faced by photojournalists today and the risks they take to document human rights violations. 'The ability of photojournalists to document injustices is often restricted, and many are prevented from capturing and sharing critical evidence,' she said. 'The international spread of doubts about the authenticity of media content only fuels mistrust and empowers politicians further.' Unlike written words, which can be manipulated or taken out of context, images have an immediacy and emotional power that make them harder to dismiss. A single photograph, Bachevanova noted, can challenge official narratives and force accountability in ways that written reports sometimes cannot. Throughout her career, Bachevanova has covered pivotal historical events, including the collapse of Bulgaria's communist government, Boris Yeltsin's coup attempt in Russia and the Romanian Revolution, among others. Acclaimed for her fearless pursuit of truth, she has published over 40 books on themes of human rights, ecological justice and social equity, sharing visual stories from 29 countries. Turning to the evolving role of photojournalism in today's geopolitical landscape, Bachevanova acknowledged that the field faces increasing complexities. Media censorship, digital surveillance and AI-generated disinformation now threaten the ability to capture and share truthful narratives.
Gulf Today
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Xposure X Darya: Open-air cultural hub ramps up fest's appeal
The International Photography Festival (Xposure) 2025, the Middle East's largest celebration of visual storytelling has returned to Sharjah for its 9th and biggest-yet edition in Sharjah's swanky new hub 'Aljada' with a complete reimagination of how culture, family, and community converge.A first-time collaboration, Xposure X Darya is an open-air cultural hub; a vibe. Anchored in open-air vitality, the space has been curated for every member of the community to find joy, creativity, and inspiration — not just behind the camera, but in every aspect of life. Here's some of the many experiences on offer:A feast for food lovers: Savour the sights and smells of diverse cuisines at food joints and cafes dotted across the open area. From local favourites to international flavours, your taste buds are in for a treat.A play haven for kids: Family-friendly doesn't begin to cover it. Your little ones will find hours of joy in the thoughtfully designed children's open areas, leaving the grown-ups free to the hands-on creative: Whether you're a hobbyist or simply curious, take advantage of interactive workshops running throughout the festival, led by global experts passionate about their craft. An urban getaway: Open spaces make Xposure X Darya the perfect spot to unwind, collaborate, or simply enjoy a backdrop worthy of any its core, Xposure 2025 remains a celebration of the lens — offering insight into how photographers and filmmakers capture, challenge, and change the way we see our world. With the addition of Darya, the festival bridges the gap between art and X Darya 2025 is an invitation to linger, learn, and let the sights and sounds of Aljada reawaken the senses. Whether you're a seasoned photographer, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply a lover of compelling stories, this is the space where the image becomes an experience. The festival runs until February 26 at Aljada, Sharjah, and is a free-to-attend exhibition. For details and more information, visit photographerParticipants honed their skills in impactful storytelling through images under the guidance of celebrated Venezuelan photographer Ana Maria Arevalo Gosen at a Focus Group session titled 'Eyes on the Impact' at the 9th edition of the International Photography Festival, Xposure, at Aljada, Sharjah on February 21. Amateur as well as professional photographers shared their ideas for creating impactful stories – on tackling climate change and rising sea levels, portraits of artists on stage, and conserving giant armadillos. Gosen encouraged them to rethink their creative processes and discover new ways to align their work with ethical and community-focussed goals, thus ensuring storytelling becomes a meaningful force for change. National Geographic Explorer, whose impact-driven projects have addressed women's rights, social justice and environmental issues, Gosen referenced her own work on Unomia – an invasive coral species from Indonesia, which harmed Venezuelan waters affecting the livelihood of its coastal people. Her images helped garner community and governmental action. Participants applied her six-step process – goals, audience, platforms, call to action, success metrics and creativity – to think up a project that they wanted to create impact with. They identified their audiences and collaborators, platforms and action plans systematically under her gentle and friendly prodding. 'What is the ultimate change you want to achieve by telling your story, and secondly, what is a more specific goal you could set to contribute to that change?' She asked them to give them four minutes to visualise each step. She distinguished between strong and weak calls to action, and the advantages of various communication platforms. Through reflection and storytelling, the group sharpened their photojournalistic talent into a co-creative process that honoured the integrity of those portrayed while addressing ethical challenges and emphasising social Gosen, who has won numerous awards, was also scheduled to hold a five-hour workshop on Intimacy and Photography on February 22 for photographers of all aptitudes apart from a presentation titled 'Eternal Days: How Access and Trust Shaped my Work in Latin American Prisons' on February 26. The talk will offer an intimate perspective, through compelling photographs, on the hidden worlds of incarcerated women in Latin American nations Venezuela, El Salvador and by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2025 runs till February 26. It features 100-plus galleries, over 300 renowned photographers and over 2,500 pictures.
Sharjah 24
25-02-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Understanding human longevity via photographic art at Xposure
The Associate Professor of Art at Zayed University in the UAE, whose work captures the visual aesthetics of transient environments and evokes deep reflections on human relationships with spaces—both physical and imagined—told his audience that he used 'fake MRIs' to capture structure, organs muscles, blood vessels and soft tissues in the human body. The medical images presented inner body views which were created using speculative and expanded photography, in an attempt to understand human longevity and decay. Papavasileiou gave a concise analysis of his latest creative series, the material and processes used and why the portfolio was important to him and us. The project was important for him on the personal front as he had lost his parents at a young age and he had memories of sickness in general and of playing with X-rays. The medical images were also inspired by the ultrasound images of his young children when they were in their mother's womb. The art professor stated that he had a strong photography background which helped him with camera manipulation and installation of images while Photoshop knowledge helped him with stacking, blending, brushing and motion blur filters. The body of work helped him visualise and understand concepts of the human body and its condition. 'My reasons for creating the images were to understand medical imagery, to interpret what I was ignorant about and assess my technological authority and interpretational skills. Images are speculative and have the power to ignite human conversation,' he noted. Through 'Internal Landscapes', Papavasileiou endeavoured to foster dialogue on how these visuals are produced and interpreted and their psychosomatic effects on individuals. The presentation helped a curious audience comprehend the omnipresence and necessity of these images in modern life as well as the complex relationship between photography, technology, and the human condition in a future shaped by advancements in medical visualisation. Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure 2025 runs until February 26. To learn more about the global celebration platform for visual storytelling, visit https:
