Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/07/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi, he was commissioned by Christian Aid (I think he actively sought the commission) to go to Africa, and he spent several weeks/months earlier this year out there. The exhibition is called 'Cold Heaven - Don McCullin on AIDS in Africa'. You should be able to find links through googl,e if there are any, using those keywords. They were exhibited in London at the Whitechapel Gallery from 25 May to 10 June 2001. The catalogue/book with the same title is available through normal outlets for GBP 10- (USD 14- approx.) and proceeds go to the Christian Aid HIV/AIDS fund. www.christian-aid.org.uk. He is working in b&w. I happened to meet him in the street a few weeks before the exhibition. He told me to go and see it, but said he didn't think the pictures were very good. With all due respect I think most people - including me - would disagree. Although I think some of opening portraits are rather repetitive - AIDs patient and carers direct to camera, environmental portraits in their own homes - they are cumulatively very strong, and the exhibition and catalogue then move on to show funerals, followed by child patients and orphans in homes. There is a pivotal portrait, head and shoulders, of a young boy at his father's funeral and the total effect of these is very moving indeed. They illustrate well McCullin's view that this is a war in its own way, and that poverty is a joint enemy, along with the disease itself. It is, imo, classic humanistic reportage in which the people are allowed to be individuals rather than ciphers, and project dignity and strength against overwhelming odds. The exhibition included a 5-minute video documentary showing him at work, which is extremely interesting. - --- Bob mailto:bob@web-options.com Friday, July 27, 2001, 12:39:10 PM, you wrote: > Someone - I forgot who - mentioned an exhibition by McCullin, saying he is > now covering the AIDS epidemic in africa. I was not aware that he has found > another subject, thought he might be still doing pastoral landscapes and > stills. Since I don't have the possibility to attend the exhibition, could you > please extentend on his AIDS pictures? Is there any link? Is he still working in > b/w? In his previous (emphatic) style? > I am very interested as I really love his work (except for the stills, > maybe). > thank you