Ernst Leitz Museum Wetzlar is presenting The Eyes of Humanity, an exhibition of works by the US American and Magnum photographer Steve McCurry

His photographs tell stories and have made history. At the intersection between reportage, portrait, travel and landscape photography, the US American Steve McCurry (born 1950) has long been considered one of the great photographers of our times. For The Eyes of Humanity exhibition at the Ernst Leitz Museum Wetzlar, the Magnum photographer has personally selected around 90 colour motifs that have special meaning for him, while also offering a wonderful overview of his rich body of work. The photographs were taken over the last forty years in a total of 26 countries. They include motifs from catastrophic and crisis situations, such as the burning oil fields of Kuwait in 1991, and the destruction of the World Trade Centre Twin Towers in New York on 9/11/2001. There are also impressive landscapes and everyday scenarios; and, above all, images that deal with the fates of an extremely broad range of people and communities around the world.

McCurry's oeuvre belongs to the tradition of humanistic photography, and overcomes language and cultural barriers. Consider his intense portraits from Pakistan, Tibet, Ethiopia and Ecuador: time and again, his unshakeable optimism and understanding of human nature allowed him to gain access to, and the trust of, a great diversity of people. Of course, McCurry's best-known picture is Afghan Girl. The iconic portrait taken in a refugee camp in Pakistan in 1984, became known around the world; naturally, it could not be missing from this exhibition. It was only in 2002, after a long search, that the photographer was able to follow up on her story, and give a name to the heretofore nameless girl: Sharbat Gula. Due to his inexhaustible energy and empathetic curiosity, McCurry managed, repeatedly, to draw attention to those who would otherwise remain unnoticed. His photographs reveal the world's contrasts: its beguiling beauty, as well as its abysmal depths.

Current information on the opening hours of the exhibition 'The Eyes of Humanity' can be found on the Leica homepage: https://uk.leica-camera.com/Leitz-Park/Leitz-Park?/switchlanguage/to/corposite_eng_gb/161706

Steve McCurry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, on April 23, 1950. After graduating from University, he began travelling and working all over the world in 1978. He has photographed for all the most important international magazines, has published numerous photo books, and has received prestigious honours. These include the Robert Capa Gold Medal and the National Press Photographers Award, as well as various World Press Photo Awards. McCurry has been a Contributor to Magnum Photos, since 1986; and, in 2011, he was the first photographer to be inducted into Leica Camera AG's Leica Hall of Fame.

An interview with Steve McCurry about his exhibition can be found on Leica's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Mrleicacamera

The Ernst Leitz Museum is happy to be continuing its successful partnership with Whitewall, and would like to express its gratitude for the active support received during the production of the exhibition.

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