Sharjah
A galaxy of locally and internationally-renowned photographers will be sharing their expertise to help the region’s enthusiastic shutter bugs take more engaging images. A total of 32 acclaimed camera exponents will be taking part in Xposure 2017, revealing the art behind framing the perfect shot.
The four-day Xposure 2017 will feature 23 exhibitors, 35 workshops and 25 seminars covering ecological topics, humanitarian subjects and social issues, with the sessions revealing the incredible power and influence of pictures in transcending linguistic barriers and geographical boundaries.
Hosted with the aim of improving the art of photography in the UAE, Xposure 2017 is being held under the theme ‘Captivating Stories,’ a tagline which was chosen to highlight the power of visual language inherited in the image. The festival targets professionals, amateurs, university students, school pupils and photojournalists, as well as those who are happy not to get behind the lens but who are nevertheless interested in how images can influence others. An array of workshops and tutorials will also be held.
Now in its second edition, this year’s Xposure is designed to raise awareness of environmental issues that include natural life, animal rights and conflict over natural resources. The festival will also be bringing to the fore humanitarian issues, with this year’s edition highlighting the refugee issue depicted through numerous powerful images, some of which have won prestigious international prizes.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, said, “The festival has seen us bring together the best names in the world of photography from around the globe to Sharjah to show the images they have recorded of humanitarian and ecological issues, to explain how taking these photographs was such a challenge and to share their award-winning skills and techniques with keen amateurs.”
For the first time in 20 years in the UAE, the Xposure festival will host the World Press Photo exhibition, which will be held alongside portrait photography sessions conducted by British portrait and fashion photographer Clive Arrowsmith, who has had his works published in Vogue magazine and The Sunday Times.
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) with the event’s title partner, Sony Middle East & Africa, Xposure 2017 is a vital element that supports Sharjah’s cultural development in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah. Shaikh Sultan’s vision is to increase citizen engagement with the creative arts in recognition that it is a key driver for the building of a knowledge-based economy and a powerful tool for intercultural dialogue.
Xposure 2017
12 photo exhibitions by the 32 photographers with specified copies for sale
Among the renowned photographers participating: Sir Don McCullin, Britain’s most celebrated war photojournalist
Paul Nicklen, Canadian nature photographer
Muhammed Muheisen, Palestinian photojournalist
Smaller satellite photography exhibitions will take place at: Sharjah International Airport, Al Majaz Waterfront, City Walk and Mall of the Emirates
More than 50 images by emerging, new and amateur photographers
