What differences are there between the cultures of the world? How is this shown by documentary photographers? How do photographers document difficult situations while also respecting the dignity of the people they portray? This Autumn, Faces @ The Tate will be exhibiting different and unique projects by contemporary documentary photographers around the world.
Faces @ The Tate will look at the different artists who want to deepen our understanding and emotional connection to historical events or events important to them through their work. Comparing photos taken in the western cultures such as the USA and UK, and eastern cultures such as Afghanistan and India; the different artists want to document the people and surroundings they encounter, giving viewers a new way of seeing the world.
This exhibition will bring together different artists in a range of rooms; all with a running theme of society. It will be exploring the way society is led by contrasting norms and values, whether they be the differences between education, family, children and culture in general. Culture is the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society. Traditions and ideologies can differ dramatically between cultures in the east and the west and is shown by documentary photographers, who spend time immersed in these people's lifestyles.
Looking at photographers such as the famous Steve McCurry, the photographer best known for his 1984 photograph "Afghan Girl"; Stephanie Sinclair, Dita Pepe, Julie Blackmon, Martin Parr and Sebastião Salgado; this exhibition shows famous works comparing the artists to each other “Documenting the East vs the West”. There is a contemporary theme running through the exhibition with photos all taken in the 20 and 21st century, viewers can learn about recent events and learn that not all societies are the same as the one we are living in here in 21st Century Britain.
The exhibition includes 3 rooms each looking at marriage, children and society as a whole; all photographers will be shown in contrast to each other. Photos from the east and the west will be set side to side showing how lives are led by the people involved. We will be looking at vast problems in society such as the increasing gap between the rich and poor all over the world, consumerism in the UK and forced child marriages happening in eastern, less developed countries such as Afghanistan.
Faces @ The Tate will show “Documenting the East vs the West” in a new light. It will be something for all to see, whether your cultural background or age, new facts will be learnt. Problems happening in the present day will be eminent throughout the exhibition giving new thoughts to viewers and maybe even helping people make a change in society.