Steve McCurry Retrospective June 25, 2010

A major retrospective exhibition by the internationally renowned Magnum photographer, Steve McCurry Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is proud to present the first and only UK exhibition of critically acclaimed photojournalist Steve McCurry, in association with Magnum Photos.

The exhibition will include over eighty striking images that span a remarkable twenty year career, including his world renowned portrait “Afghan Girl”. Steve McCurry is recognised as one of the world’s finest photographers and during his career he has covered many international and civil conflicts, particularly within the regions of Asia and the Middle East. McCurry made his name covering the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, after he managed to smuggle the films over the border by sewing them into his clothes. These images were amongst the first to be seen of the conflict and won him the prestigious Robert Capa Gold Medal. The now iconic image of the young green-eyed girl appeared for the first time on the cover of National Geographic in June 1985, instantly becoming a symbol both of the Afghan conflict and of the refugee situation worldwide. A year later, McCurry became a full member of the international photographic
agency, Magnum Photos.

Many of McCurry’s later photographs have also become modern icons, each with a story to tell. An extensive traveller, his work has encompassed Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Tibet and Yemen, amongst others. Best known for his evocative colour images, his compelling photographs are unique street portraits that reveal the universality of the human condition, finding the beautiful in daily experiences. McCurry’s skill lies in blending in, waiting for the unguarded moment when he can capture stories of the human experience in its rawest form.

To accompany the exhibition Steve McCurry will give a presentation about his twenty year career on Friday 2nd July. The talk will start at 6.30 pm in the Waterhall at BMAG (Tickets £10).