Children

My photographic highlight of February was most definitely visiting the exhibition “Children” by one of my photographic heroes, Steve McCurry. Not only for seeing his magnificent work. But also for having the opportunity of doing some street photography inside the exhibition, and giving my readers the chance to take a glimpse at the fantastic documentary portrait work Steve McCurry is famous for. To take the tour of the exhibition The Significant Other visited in Genoa’s Palazzo Ducale earlier this month, continue after the jump.

Visiting a Steve McCurry exhibition offers a captivating journey through diverse cultures and landscapes captured through his iconic photography. McCurry’s mastery in storytelling through his lens showcases the beauty of the world and the people living on it. Through his lens, viewers gain a deeper appreciation of how different people live and of the beautiful places they call home. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled to faraway lands and learned something new about people from all over.

I own several books of McCurry, and I’m totally fascinated by his distinct portrait work, because he has a unique talent for capturing the essence and emotions of his subjects. His portraits often reveal deep stories and convey powerful emotions, making them compelling and memorable. McCurry’s ability to connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds allows him to create portraits that resonate with viewers worldwide.

We had the pleasure to visit a McCurry exhibition before, back in 2021 when we saw “The world of Steve McCurry” in Zurich. I’ve blogged about this magnificant experience here.

One of Steve McCurry’s most famous photographs is “Afghan Girl,” taken in 1984. It features a young Afghan refugee with striking green eyes, and it became iconic for its emotional depth and portrayal of the human condition amidst conflict and displacement. The image gained widespread recognition, symbolizing the plight of refugees and earning McCurry global acclaim as a photographer. It was also on display in the Exhibition “Children” we visited in Genoa. The title image of this post features a different portrait of the famous Afghan girl (here name is Sharbat Gula) McCurry took while visiting the refugee camp Nasir Bagh in Pakistan in 1984.

Steve McCurry’s portraits of children are special because he has a remarkable ability to capture their innocence, resilience, and humanity. He often focuses on their eyes, which convey a range of emotions and tell compelling stories. McCurry’s photographs of children transcend cultural and language barriers, evoking empathy and understanding from viewers worldwide. His images remind us of the universal experiences of childhood and the importance of compassion and connection across diverse cultures and regardless of the situations the photographed children are living in.

The beautiful exhibition was situated in the basement area of Genoa’s Palazzo Ducale, the historic palace that served as the residence of the Doges of Genoa, the rulers of the Republic of Genoa. Built in the 13th century, it stands as an impressive example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, boasting ornate facades and grand interiors adorned with artwork and frescoes. Over the centuries, the palace underwent various renovations and expansions, reflecting the evolving styles and tastes of different periods. Today, the Palazzo Ducale is a major cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, events, and performances, while also offering visitors a glimpse into Genoa’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The favorite image of the more than 150 portraits featured in the exhibition was the photograph shown below of a little kid hiding his face behind the carved silhouettes of reindeers. How incredibly sweet is that?

All photographs were taken with my iPhone 14 Pro, some post-processing in Lightroom Classes. All depicted images of the exhibition referred to in this post were taken by Steve McCurry.

I can only encourage you to visit an exhibition of Steve McCurry if you have the opportunity. This show “Children” will next be on display in Pisa, Italy.

Most portraits shown in this exhibition are also featured in McCurrys book ” Stories and Dreams: Portraits of Childhood”.

Have a wonderful Thursday and a good start into March!

Marcus

Related Posts:

Man Ray (NSFW)

StoNur on the Road – Fotografiska

Another weekend – another photo exhibition

Colors in the dark