World famous photographers open Xposure photography festival focusing on conflict and environment

The sixth edition of the Xposure photography festival, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, kicked off in Sharjah, which will last until February 15, at the Expo Center Sharjah. In the festival, 70 photographers from different parts of the world participated by showcasing more than 1,600 pictures and artwork in 45 individual and group exhibitions.

Pictures reflected influential stories from various societies around the world. The aim of the exhibition is to underscore the vital role of photography in influencing the lives of individuals, especially in light of conflicts, and exerted efforts in protecting the environment.

The most prominent photographer was Steve McCurry, who presented a picture of a young Afghani girl, Sharbat Gula, accentuating her piercing green eyes. The girl lived in a refugee camp in Pakistan in 1984. She became an icon mirroring the fate of Afghanistan.

Moreover, the picture drew public attention and she was able to find refuge in Italy. National Geographic marine biologist, photographer, and author Jennifer Hayes also participated in the exhibition and has presented a research paper on the endangered harp seal population in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada, due to significant ice melt.

Among the participating photographers is the Morgens Trolle, a Danish who won the award for the world wildlife photographer in 2020. His portraits of primates highlight their facial expressions prompting you to think of them as individuals with feelings, minds, and personalities.