10 Jan 09
www.barbican.org.uk
"If your photographs aren't good enough, you're not close enough." Robert Capa
Robert Capa (1913–1954) is one of the leading modern warfare photographers and photojournalist's of the twentieth century. This fascinating show brings together over 150 images from the 1930s and 1940s, and in places is very moving. Dramatically staged in the Barbican's main gallery, Capa's iconic 'D-day landing' prints and previously lost images of the Spanish Civil War really illustrate the brutality of war and the bravery of all those involved.
Gerda Taro (1910–1937), the talented and groundbreaking German photographer, spent her brief but dramatic career photographing the Spanish Civil War alongside Robert Capa, her lover and collaborator. She was one of the first female photographers to work on the front line and the first to be killed in action in 1937, aged just 26, whilst covering the battle for the city of Brunete.
On the Subject of War presents some of the most significant works of international contemporary art made in the context of current events in Iraq and Afghanistan.
...This interesting satelite-show contains a challenging selection of photographs and video projects from Omer Fast, Paul Chan, An-My Lê’, also including 'Why Mister, Why?, an incredible - live footage shot as stills - piece by Geert van Kesteren.
Another really well put together exhibition from the Barbican, sensitively handled and very memorable...
9 out of 10
