Dhaka’s Drik Picture Library has launched the World Press Photo 70th Anniversary Exhibition, titled ‘What Have We Done? Unpacking Seven Decades of World Press Photo’. Curated by artist and photographer Cristina de Middel, the exhibition has previously been shown in Johannesburg, South Africa and Groningen, the Netherlands.
The opening event at DrikPath Bhobon on Friday featured reflections from Anna Kućma, Manager Programs at World Press Photo, Sohrab Hasan, Editor of Chaarcha and Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Drik. The discussion was moderated by Drik’s General Manager and curator ASM Rezaur Rahman.
Shahidul Alam highlighted the importance of self-reflection in photography, noting that images shape public perception and questioning the representation of women and perspectives from the majority world is crucial. Anna Kućma praised the archive as a living record of global history and photographers’ dedication to public interest. Sohrab Hasan discussed the power of images in documenting war and injustice, particularly in the context of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Alongside the exhibition, a pop-up festival includes a three-day workshop on photojournalism and visual narrative, led by Gabrielle Fonseca Johnson, South Asia Editor for Reuters Pictures.
A keynote presentation and panel discussion is taking place today, commencing at 4:30 pm.
The exhibition is open to the public daily from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm until December 20.
