I’m very excited. Thursday 2 June sees the launch of a Magnum / UNHCR exhibition of Ian berry’s work at Trongate 103. Magnum images have shaped my personal and working life for many years. They’ve probably shaped all our lives, in one way or another.
Some of the most memorable images
The Magnum co-operative has given the world some of the most memorable images of all time. Fusing photojournalism and art, their team of more than 60 photographers have a vast range of approaches to documentary photography. Creative, emotional, intellectual, their photographs have become part of our cultural landscape, shaping our collective consciousness. From Capa’s Spanish soldier to Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moments, from Abbas’s seas of prayers to Eve Arnolds Chinese workers, the passionate observation of Magnum has documented our history for over 60 years.
Changing photography forever
Back in the day, the Magnum agency changed the face of how images were provided to the press, publishers and advertisers. They retained copyright, crop control, worked as independently as possible, for long periods of time, on projects they actually believed in.
They coined the term ‘The Concerned Photographer’.
As a photographer myself, I regularly look to Magnum for inspiration. Their images are aesthetically stunning and emotionally entangling. They raise awareness, heighten perceptions and amass empathy. They offer a window on our world of ambiguities and shades of grey. They question the accepted and motivate change.
They motivate me, certainly.
I’d imagine they’ll motivate you too.
Go see the exhibition at Trongate 103, if you possibly can.
