PERSPECTIVES - Three Leica Oskar Barnack Award Series

Under the title "PERSPECTIVES," the Leica Gallery Stuttgart presents three winning and finalist series of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, one of the most internationally renowned photography awards. For 42 years, Leica has been contributing to the diversity and quality of photojournalistic activities through this award, constantly exploring the relationship between humans and their environment.

Authentic images and personal perspectives are more relevant than ever today, underscored in their significance by the consistency of the LOBA competition. Changing perspectives consistently draw attention to existing themes, providing a fresh outlook on them. Photographers play a crucial role in shaping visual perception, bringing attention to the urgency of individual humanitarian issues for viewers.

Each of the three selected LOBA series presents a distinct perspective to effectively and enduringly showcase its respective theme: Lynsey Addario sharpens our focus by highlighting ecological issues through female protagonists. She purposefully immerses herself alongside the actors in crisis areas, allowing us to witness the events firsthand. Ismail Ferdous showcases the diversity of cultural perspectives, presenting the sociocultural richness of beach life in his home country Bangladesh, altering the European view of the Bengali city Cox's Bazar and surprising us with its unfamiliar beach culture. Tom Hegen utilizes spatial distance to draw attention from above to the devastation of landscapes in German coal mining areas, emphasizing the unexpected beauty and vibrancy of human-altered landscapes.

The exhibition "PERSPECTIVES" will be on display at the Leica Gallery Stuttgart (Calwer Straße 41) until May 11, 2024, featuring the three series comprising a total of 42 photographs. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with free admission.