News in pictures

This year, some two million people across the globe will view the prestigious 50th annual World Press Photo exhibition; but for the first time, Brisbane residents will be able to see it in their hometown. The Brisbane Powerhouse is presenting the exhibition from Sunday 10 June to Sunday 1 July 2007 as part of its re-opening program following recent renovations.

Showcasing 191 of the best press photographs, World Press Photo 2007 profiles the world’s top press photographers from 2006. The influential exhibition represents the pinnacle of photo-journalism; and in Australia traditionally only visits Sydney.

The show is the leading international competition in press photography. In 2006, the competition received 78,083 entries from 4,460 professional photographers from 124 countries. Competition entrants include photojournalists, agencies, newspapers and magazines from all around the world.

World Press Photo fits the Brisbane Powerhouse’s growing reputation as a major exhibitor of documentary photography; having previously premiered the Tim Page retrospective, launched the photojournalistic collective °SOUTH, and nationally premiered and toured Congo: Forgotten War.

World Press Photo 2007 prizewinners include Sydney Morning Herald Australian sports photojournalists Craig Golding and Steve Christo, who will give artist talks on Sunday 10 June at 11am and 1pm. First prize was awarded to US photographer Spencer Platt, whose photograph (at left) showed young Lebanese driving through a Beirut suburb devastated by Israeli bombs on August 15, the first day of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The annual competition is judged by an independent international jury of 13 members, and features ten different winning categories. The World Press Photo Foundation is an independent platform for international press photography, founded in 1955 in the Netherlands.

World Press Photo aims to increase public interest in press photography, promote the free flow of information worldwide and stimulate discussion about photojournalism in the industry.

World Press Photo receives support from the Dutch Postcode Lottery and is sponsored worldwide by Canon and TNT. Canon has contributed major support towards bringing the exhibition to Brisbane. World Press Photo 2007 in Brisbane is proudly supported by The Courier-Mail.

The exhibition is showing in the Turbine Hall at Brisbane Powerhouse from June 10 to July 1. Entry is free.

David Edwards

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World Press Photo 2007

Venue: Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm, Brisbane
Dates: 10 June - 1 July 2007
Cost: Free

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