AFP
AFP – Twenty Years Covering the World 1989-2008 Part of history. Truth. Part of truth.
Press photography, with its power to conjure up ideas and emotions, is not just any documentary record, and that no doubt is why so many photographers over recent years have rejected all aesthetic and emotional effects, determined to move away from post-war humanism. But even when working in strict documentary mode, a photographer has to build the story; without the photographer's eye to construct the scene, the report would not offer any understanding of the situation. An aesthetic approach is sometimes needed so that extraordinarily brutal stories can be presented. A photojournalist may be dealing with the distress of the unemployed, the absurdity of war or the cruel experience of childhood, but has to confront the situation. A photographer must be both close and inconspicuous, must get the story for others to see, without being seen; close enough to touch, while keeping a distance; careful not to get caught. Pictures go through the optic nerve; stories go straight to the heart and brain. No one remains unscathed.
Interactive Map
Just click on the interactive map of the city of Perpignan above to go to the location finder of all the exhibitions, screenings and key addresses for this year's Visa pour l'Image.