UAE: World’s largest photography festival opens in Sharjah
The 7th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival was inaugurated on Thursday, (February 9, 2023) at the Expo Centre Sharjah. The opening ceremony was witnessed by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC).
Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the festival is hosting its biggest-ever edition this year with over 100 leading photographers participating from around the world, alongside 68 spectacular solo and group exhibitions comprising 1,794 photos.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General, SGMB, spoke about the powerful role of photography in breaking stereotypes that lead to wrong and inaccurate perceptions in society about people, countries, and events.
He illustrated his statement with an awe-inspiring image of an equestrian on his horse at a beautiful beach, which no one in the audience could have imagined was in Palestine, due to the harsh and dreary global image that persists about the country.
“Studying images deepens our understanding of facts and reminds us that beauty can be found even in the most challenging circumstances. Beauty is everywhere around us and our mission is to see it, live it, and appreciate it. The message we aim to convey at Xposure is that photographs stir emotions and rectify perceptions while guiding our priorities as human beings”, noted Allay.
“Since its inception, this festival has been serving as a reminder that beauty exists amid chaos, and what makes our journey sustainable is Sharjah’s unwavering vision and commitment. And also the fact that all of you join us every year to be enthusiastic global messengers of art, entertainment, and creativity. Our collective resolve to utilize this medium as a promoter of noble values is what brings us closer to our objectives. We support responsible creativity that benefits humanity, preserves our ability to inspire, and instills a sense of security and hope in our hearts,” he added.
HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening ceremony, which heard from acclaimed photographers such as Dan Winters from Southern California, self-taught American photographer Karen Zusman, James Balog who has turned the spotlight on pressing global issues throughout his 40-year career as a photojournalist.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT XPOSURE 2023
A source of inspiration for both amateur and professional photographers, the Xposure agenda includes 41 seminars and panel discussions with leading photographers, as well as edutainment events hosted at “Stage X” to boost visitors’ engagement with the festival. Moreover, 63 workshops will enable photography enthusiasts to acquire additional skill sets and expertise in clicking photographs under different circumstances and at various places, utilizing advanced technologies and drawing from the expertise of seasoned photographers, their travels, and experiences in diverse types of photography.
One of the festival’s key events is the Conservation Summit, which focuses on Climate Change and the role of photography in documenting it on our planet. The festival also includes a Photo Fair for art collectors, book signings, an awards ceremony, and a trade show that highlights the latest photography equipment and tools that help photography enthusiasts and adventurers to create their projects with innovative technologies that meet various photography purposes.
Alongside His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the opening ceremony was attended by the top officials including Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Digital Office; Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority; and other heads of government departments, as well as international photographers, enthusiasts, and media professionals.
