EXHIBITION MAY 12 - JUNE 01, 2011
DAILY 14:00 - 21:00
BEIRUT SOUKS - BEIRUT CITY CENTER | VIEW MAP >

The World Press Photo Exhibition is one of the most prestigious photography exhibitions in the world. Its goal of raising awareness about both minor and major developments and realities around the globe is in essence a message of solidarity and peace.

The decision of Notre Dame University's Faculty of Architecture, Art, and Design to organize the World Press Photo Exhibition 2011 demonstrates significant support towards the organization's mission, which goes well beyond geographical, political, and cultural boundaries, encouraging and supporting photojournalism of the highest quality and consequence on an international scale.

Under the patronage of the Royal Netherlands Embassy, the country of origin of World Press Photo, Notre Dame University has chosen Beirut Souks, a prime venue in the heart of Beirut, to present this exclusive event, inviting all the Lebanese to share in this unique experience.

In collaboration with Solidere, the 1300 m² venue will also feature 50 photographs from An-Nahar's archive as well as the winning entries of the photography competition entitled “Beyond a Snap” inspired by the mission statement of the Lebanese Addiction Center ‘Skoun’ – life, health, hope.

The 170 winning photographs of this year’s World Press Photo from all 9 categories (spot news, general news, people in the news, sports, contemporary issues, daily life, portraits, arts and entertainment, and nature) will be exhibited for three weeks.

Lebanon has featured in three World Press Photo of the Year photographs: in 1976, 1982, and 2006, leaving an indelible trace on millions of people who witnessed the ugliness of its never-ending wars.

This year, the winning portrait of Bibi Aisha, taken by Jodie Bieber, marks a great shift in photojournalism in the digital age. As opposed to the ever-growing impersonal quality of statistical reporting, it invites us to look and reflect upon one person's suffering, upon the true essence of our humanity.

This exhibition and its parallel events would not have been possible without the members of the organizing committees, faculty, and students' clubs who worked hard to make it happen, and who believed in the power of the photograph and its undeniable role in shaping our vision of the world we live in.

noel nasr