GPP TALKS | Windows of The Soul - My Journeys in the Muslim World
Join National Geographic photographer Alexandra Avakian for a talk where she will share her remarkable experiences travelling and photograph in the Muslim World.
Photojournalist Alexandra Avakian has covered many of the most important issues and historic events of her time. Her photographs have been published in National Geographic, Time, LIFE, The New York Times Magazine, and many others in the U.S. and throughout Europe. She has photographed conflict, daily life, and culture in the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, Africa, Caribbean, and the United States for the past 25 years.
For many years, Avakian "felt the need to photograph refugees, uprisings, fights for freedom,” she writes. “I longed to learn more about the lengths to which people go to change their living conditions and achieve basic human rights. I was less interested in ideology than in the human capacity for bravery in the fight for freedom.”
Her photographs have evolved to convey an intimacy and complexity beyond conflict and upheaval. “I began distancing myself from death and funerals. The violent conflicts that had fascinated me were taking their toll. I felt lucky to be alive and in one piece—and ready to celebrate the beauty of life in the subjects I chose..” says Avakian of her work that's featured in the book. In a time of increased misunderstandings between East and West, Windows of the Soul should be considered a timely and passionate visual exploration to promote dialogue.
You can see Alexandra's work on her website.