Sharjah Ruler Opens XPOSURE 06, International...

IMAGES ARE VISUAL MEMORY OF HUMAN SOCIETIES, SAYS SHEIKH SULTAN BIN AHMED AL QASIMI, CHAIRMAN, SHARJAH MEDIA CENTRE INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED PHOTOGRAPHERS, INDUSTRY EXPERTS, COMPANIES AND PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS AT THE 4-DAY EVENT

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday formally inaugurated XPOSURE 2016, the first International Photography Festival being hosted from October 12 to 15 by Sharjah Media Centre at Expo Centre Sharjah, in the presence of a number of dignitaries, internationally-acclaimed photographers, artists, media and hundreds of photography enthusiasts.

The spectacular opening ceremony began Welcoming HH the Ruler of Sharjah and the elite audience of celebrated lens men and photography experts. HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), said that images are the collective visual memory of human societies. They document our lives with all their moments of joy, happiness, sacrifice, achievement, success and disaster. Many are the pictures that were of greater influence than any other media tool, he said, pointing out that since the invention of the camera, history has seen countless images change its course by addressing minds, touching hearts, revealing facts and conveying clear messages in a way better than all words do.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said that under the directives of HH the Ruler of Sharjah, SMC is launching XPOSURE International Photography Festival as yet another initiative that is aimed at complementing the cultural scene in Sharjah and supporting the creation of an innovative environment, as well as strengthening our media system.

The Chairman of SMC said that since the launch of XPOSURE competitions, targeting amateurs and professionals alike, the Centre has received thousands of entries from around the world, which reflects the confidence and interest in the Festival and inspires us to support amateurs and encourage innovators by promoting competition among them and honing their skills.

The message we wish to convey through XPOSURE is based on our media vision, which emanates from the directives of HH the Ruler of Sharjah. We want pictures to be always for the service of man, speaking to his mind and addressing his emotions. We want them to help build him and enrich his knowledge. We want them to be honest, expressive and a main pillar of community development, emphasised Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.

A Common Language

Speaking on the occasion, David Alan Harvey, celebrated American documentary photographer and founder of the award-winning Burn Magazine, lauded Sharjah as the true Cultural Capital of the Arab and Islamic world because of its vibrant cultural heritage and patronage of art and culture.

Delivering the keynote on the theme of A Common Language', Harvey said that photography is the common language of knowledge that is spoken and understood around the world. He praised HH the Ruler of Sharjah for his patronage of art and culture and initiating XPOSURE, which would carry forward this movement of culture and knowledge. He said that Sharjah holds immense attraction and promise for photographers from around the world. On this occasion, he presented his documentary celebrating the lives of female deep sea divers from South Korea who start at a young age and continue to dive until they are in their 70s.

Eye on the Sky

The opening session also included a fascinating seminar and screening titled Eye on the Sky' by Prof Massimo Tarenghi of European Southern Observatory (ESO) and Alberto Ghizzi Panizza. Prof Massimo Tarenghi took his audience on an exciting journey far beyond the atmosphere. ESO operates its telescopes in the remote and arid inhospitable landscape of the Chilean Atacama Desert. With the Worlds Most Advanced Optical Telescope as one of his tools, Prof Massimo talked about his journey, supported by images captured by Panizza.

Celebration of Photography

XPOSURE 2016 features a number of events, including exhibitions, workshops, seminars, presentations, competitions, photo walks and a Trade Show. Supported by international professionals and industry experts, the event offers many exciting prospects to learn new skills and network with leading professionals and enthusiasts, along with the opportunity to see, handle and try the latest photographic products.

The one-of-its-kind premier photography show is supported by international news agency Associated Press and Canon. For details, please visit www.xposure.ae or call 06 512 3440.

LINK:	http://www.sharjahmedia.ae/en/media-centre/news/12/10/2016/sharjah-rul...
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