The State Library of NSW has opened its World Press Photo Exhibition, displaying more than 150 images which tell stories from around the world.
State Librarian John Vallance said that this year, award-winning images by 45 photographers from 28 countries were being exhibited in only a handful of galleries and institutions around the world due to COVID-19.
Dr Vallance said that for the first time, exhibition visitors would be able to use their own mobile devices to listen to a selection of photographers talk about their award-winning work.
“Standing between fact and faction, realism and reality, press photography is uniquely important in times of crisis,” Dr Vallance said.
“I hope you will all come and see the 21st World Press Photo Exhibition at the State Library to see what some of the world’s best photographers are making of our current situation and the situation of our brothers and sisters around the world,” he said.
Dr Vallance said that among this year’s winners were Australians Adam Pretty, who won first prize in the Sports category for his image of an athlete using creative training methods as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Jon Kasbe, who won third prize in the Long category of the Digital Storytelling contest for his film Blood Rider.
The State Librarian said a poignant picture of an 85-year-old Brazilian woman being hugged for the first time, through a transparent ‘hug curtain’, was also among the images on display at the Library.
“Danish photographer Mads Nissen’s image of that moment The First Embrace was named the World Press Photo of the Year,” he said.
Dr Vallance said the World Press Photo Exhibition would run in the Library’s Exhibition Galleries until 14 June.
Further information on the exhibition can be accessed at this PS News link.
