Date: June 2006

Location: Sydney, Australia

Project: Exhibition + Public Programme

Partners: Magnum Photos, Oculi, Phaidon, The Wharf Theatre

Artist: Steve McCurry

We are delighted to be working with acclaimed photographer Steve McCurry presenting his latest collection of photographic portraits. Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than thirty years, with continuing acclaim for his consistent and impactful repertoire. His work has graced scores of magazine covers, over a dozen books and featured in countless exhibitions around the world.

McCurry’s coverage of the monsoon won first prize in the World Press Awards and was part of his portfolio when he was named Magazine Photographer of the Year in 1984. ‘Afghan Girl’ is his most well-known photograph, the image itself named as "the most recognized photograph" in the history of the National Geographic Magazine, still periodically appears on the cover.

We are delighted to be working with Steve on the launch of his latest book, Portraits, in tandem with an exhibition at The Centre for Contemporary Photography in Melbourne. The book captures stories of human experience that, in the finest documentary tradition, transcend boundaries of language and culture. The publication presents a collection of remarkable faces Steve has encountered whilst travelling the world, presented as an engaging and moving series of unique street portraits: unposed, unstylized images of people that reveal the true universality of the depths of human emotion.

Steve will present a collection of his favourite images, including some previously unseen works at a show at Sydney’s Wharf Theatre. The tour also includes a public programme where Steve will speak about his career and critique photographic works during workshops with amateur photographers from the wider community.