Migrations in the 21st Century
The exhibition ‘Migrations in the 21st Century’ – is part of the project (Un)Settled – Migration stories in the 21st century from the World Press Photo archive and will be implemented in the central city square, from 19 February to 20 March, within the Migrations programme arch. As a sign of solidarity with the refugees of the war in Ukraine, the duration of the exhibition ‘21st Century Migrations’ implemented together with the ‘World Press Photo’ Foundation, has been extended until 26 March.
The day after the opening, on 20 February, there will be an organized guided tour of the exhibition in two terms – from 11 a.m. and noon, and from 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The walk through the exhibition will be led by guest curator from the Netherlands Babette Warendorf.
The exhibition of 58 photographs will feature 28 photo reports on migration by currently the world’s most significant photo reporters from around the world. The citizens of Novi Sad will be presented with the most current material from the rich archive of ‘World Press Photo’, created in the period after 2000, specially prepared for this occasion.
Citizens of Novi Sad and their guests will have a chance to see the works of Australian Warren Richardson, winner of the ‘World Press Photo of the Year 2016’ award for photography of refugees on the border between Serbia and Hungary. Visitors will be able to see photos of painful details in the picture of refugees in Angola by Robert Knot, through the poetic vision of the dreams of African migrants in Italy by Alice Martinová, to a striking photo of migrants piled on a small boat by Massimo Sestini.
The photo of the year, chosen on 26 February, 2013, shows African migrants on the coast of the city of Djibouti who pick up phones at night in an attempt to catch a cheap signal from neighbouring Somalia – the only connection with relatives abroad.
When the photo became World Press Photo of the Year, it came as a surprise because it differed from photos of previous winners, who often depict conflicts or historical moments. In contrast, this photograph is refined, poetic, and yet full of meaning. Kim Hubbard, who asked for the story to be written for National Geographic, said: ‘John has managed to turn our whole story into one beautiful, moonlit picture: modern migration intertwines with a universal desire to connect.’
Scenography and exhibition set up: Multimedia center ‘LED ART’ from Novi Sad
Foto: Alessandro Digaetano, John Stanmeyer