Guy Martin
During the spring of 2011, independent documentary photographer Guy Martin travelled to Egypt and Libya to record the unfolding Arab Spring. On Wednesday 20 April, Guy’s work in the region was cut short when, whilst covering some of the fiercest most violent urban warfare in recent history he was severely injured in a rocket attack by Gaddafi loyalists in the centre of the besieged Western Libyan city of Misarta.
For the first time since the attack, and following his lengthy and continuing recovery University College Falmouth’s School of Media & Performance presents Shifting Sands, an exhibition of the work produced by Guy up to this point. The exhibition frames a series of events including a private view, a talk with eminent women photojournalists, film screenings and Guy in conversation. Each event serves to highlight the heavy price that can be paid by frontline photojournalists in the cause of documenting a country and its people’s struggle for freedom.
Egypt
Steele Gallery, The Poly
The exhibition shows his work in Egypt that was made whilst on assignment with the Wall Street Journal and documents the first violent demonstrations at the end of January 2011 to the celebrations on the news of the resignation of Hosni Mubarak on Friday 11 and the first independent referendum in March.
Libya
Spring Gallery, The Poly
Shifting Sands then moves chronologically further into March 2011 during which Guy travelled to Libya to document the effects of NATO’s intervention on the country’s revolution. He travelled extensively throughout liberated Eastern Libya documenting, (with major commissions from The Guardian and Observer), a population coming to terms with their new found liberation and their continuing battles with a superior opposition.
This work in eastern Libya shows a particular violent and uncertain time in the Libyan revolution. As Tripoli fell and the Gaddafi family were either killed or arrested, it is easy to forget the heavy price that the people of Libya paid for their freedom and the ensuing power struggles that are now being played out across the country.
The Missing People
Daniell Room, Upstairs - The Poly
Guy’s Missing People photographs were taken on the sea-air and ocean sprayed walls of the Bengazi courthouse and justice rooms between March and April 2011.
Over the course of the uprising and revolution in Libya, from its early days in February to the eventual capture and death of Colonel Gaddafi, the people of Benghazi posted pictures of their sons, father, uncles and brothers on the walls in the hope that someone might recognise a face.
A face that had not returned from war with Chad in the 1970’s; a face that might not have been seen since a the police came to the house to ask questions in the 1996; or perhaps it's a face not seen since the young man went to the frontline in March and April to fight with their friends, to defend their home and their family.
The public exhibition of Libya’s missing men, seeks to highlight the very human struggle of Libya’s 42 year search for answers on all those that dared to stand up and resist.
In remembrance
Whilst Guy is here to share his work and experiences, sadly two friends and colleagues were killed in the same attack, the Oscar nominated filmmaker and co-director of Sundance-winning film Restrepo, Tim Hetherington and Pulitzer nominated photojournalist, Chris Hondros.
In remembrance and dedication, proceeds from the week’s events will be directed to The Rory Peck Trust, the only organisation in the world dedicated to the safety and welfare of freelance newsgatherers and their families.
The Rory Peck Trust
www.rorypecktrust.org
43-51 Great Titchfield Street
London W1W 7DA
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)20 3219 7860
Win a signed edition of Guy’s work
Following Saturday’s In Conversation, a raffle will be drawn where you can win a signed, 20” by 24” edition of Guy’s work, one from his time in Egypt and one from Libya.
Tickets are just £5 with proceeds going to The Rory Peck Trust.
In addition, smaller prints and limited editions of Guy’s work are available to buy online from Cartel Photos. www.cartelphotos.com
Cartel Photos facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
Shifting Sands Exhibition
Tuesday 10 January 2012 – Saturday 14 January 2012
10am – 5pm
Free
Private View
Join Guy Martin and The School of Media & Performance at University College Falmouth in opening the exhibition and following events.
Monday 9 January
From 7pm till late
Free, with licenced bar
The Poly, 24 Church Street, Falmouth TR11 3EG
01326 319461,
www.thepoly.org
