The current photo exhibition at the GAF gallery in Hanover is titled “Climate Change” and focuses on the theme of climate change. The exhibition features the works of photographers Jonas Kako, Konstantinos Tsakalidis, the DOCKS Collective, and Esther Horvath. The photographs on display vividly demonstrate the consequences of climate change, including drought in the USA, devastating forest fires in Greece, and the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in 2021.
The images showcased in the exhibition go beyond presenting data and facts about climate change. They instead depict concrete and extreme events that highlight the impact of global warming. Even in industrial nations like those in the Global North, which are considered to be major contributors to climate change, the consequences are evident and continue to worsen.
Jonas Kako’s photo series focuses on the drying up of the Colorado River in the southwest of the USA and its consequences for the region and its inhabitants. Kako’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in his carefully observed, finely composed, and well-selected pictures. The sharpness and vibrant colors of his images, both portraits and landscapes, contribute to the high quality of his work.
Konstantinos Tsakalidis, a Greek photographer, captures the largest and most devastating forest fires in Greek history, which occurred in August 2021. His images from the fire areas are haunting, showing firefighters, rescue workers, burning streets and forests, and charred landscapes. The scenes, characterized by yellow, orange, and red tones, convey the intense heat and possess an apocalyptic quality.
The DOCKS Collective, a group of documentary photographers, documents the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley in summer 2021. Their photographic series, titled “A Year Along the Shore,” showcases the extensive destruction caused by the flood. One of their images, depicting a lifeboat searching for survivors at night, won the “Award for Political Photography and Caricature.” This particular photo stands out from the series, appearing surreal and lacking the same authenticity and immediacy as the other images. However, it effectively conveys the widespread consequences of the flood.
Lastly, photographer Esther Horvath presents her work titled “Polarnight,” which depicts life on board an expedition ship in the Arctic. Horvath’s photographs also feature the challenges faced in the perpetually icy environment. She won the World Press Photo Award in 2020 for her image of the expedition ship frozen by ice and snow. Her series, “Stars of Polar Night,” includes portraits of researchers from Ny-Ålesund, a village in Svalbard known for its polar research.
The Arctic, where climate changes are highly visible and measurable, plays a crucial role in the global climate system. The photographs in the exhibition provide glimpses into the effects of climate change and its profound impact on various regions.
Overall, the “Climate Change” exhibition at the GAF gallery offers powerful visual narratives that emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change. Through their captivating images, the photographers provide a deeper understanding of the consequences of global warming and the need for immediate action.
