The Steve McCurry Exhibition – A Must See in Madrid

December 26, 2021

by Beata Vasvary

4 minutes read

Even if the name of Steve McCurry does not ring a bell, it’s almost certain that you have seen at least one of his stunning photographs. McCurry’s subjects often stare right into the lens of the camera with wide, captivating eyes. It is like discovering a new world through the eyes of his subjects. No wonder his works often appear on the National Geographic magazine’s covers. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity of getting a glimpse of six continents and countless countries through powerful and scenic images: this is what you will find in the Steve McCurry Exhibition

From 17th November to 13th February 2022, Madrid’s Official College of Architects will be home to one of the most exciting international exhibitions of the famous American photographer Steve McCurry. Admire and analyze the most emblematic photographs – including the famous ‘Afghan girl’ – of one of the greatest contemporary photographers in the course of a comprehensive and retrospective exhibition.

“When you’re in the field for 40 years, every now and then you are going to capture something extraordinary.”
/Steve McCurry/

Do not miss this wonderful opportunity of getting a glimpse of six continents and countless countries through powerful and scenic images: this is what you will find in the Steve McCurry Exhibition

# Steve McCurry – Life & Work

McCurry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attended Penn State University, and graduated in theatre arts. His interest in photography began when he started taking pictures for the Penn State newspaper.
His career took off when he traveled to the rebel-controlled areas of Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion. There he captured images of the devastation. As a result, he won the Robert Capa Gold Medal for Best Photographic Reporting from Abroad. He captured war conflicts, unknown cultures, and contemporary societies. Therefore, we can now view his captures from India, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Iraq, among others.

He has witnessed many horrific and dreadful events, seen people in desperate situations. For instance, he received a phone call on the morning of September 11 saying the World Trade Centre was on fire. Without knowing what had happened, he climbed to the rooftop of his building and started taking photos. However, McCurry himself also had a near-death experience. He was almost drowned in India and survived an airplane crash in Yugoslavia. Facing such hardships might also be a reason why each of his pictures portray a complex world of experiences and emotions. He always looks for the real story behind the people. Thus, the soul of his subjects surfaces in an unguarded moment.

McCurry has been rightfully recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. For instance, the National Press Photographers Award, the Centenary Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest.

‘Afghan Girl’

‘Afghan Girl’ is undoubtedly his most recognized and celebrated photograph. Her gaze crossed all imaginable borders. It is a 1984 photographic portrait capturing an approximately 12-year-old Pashtun orphan. The photo was taken in the Nasir Bagh refugee camp in Pakistan during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. The girl was forced to flee from her village after it was bombed by the Soviets. She had to walk with her family, including her three sisters, brother, and grandmother across the mountains to a Pakistan refugee camp.

When Steven McCurry first saw the girl, he immediately knew he had to take a picture of her. Her image appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985. Furthermore, she also popped up on various Amnesty International pamphlets, posters, and calendars. The identity of the captivating girl with piercing green eyes remained a mystery for 18 years. However, in January 2002 McCurry and the National Geographic organized an expedition to search for the girl with green eyes.

The legendary portrait of Sharbat Gula went around the world and now you can meet her in the Steve McCurry exhibition. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.

# The Steve McCurry Exhibition

This outstanding exhibition, conceived by Biba Giacchetti, takes the form of an extensive journey across the photographic universe of Steve McCurry. It features more than 100 large-format photographs that he took during his forty-year career. Moreover, there are some videos on Steve McCurry’s travels as well. Be a part of this astonishing journey from Afghanistan to India, South East Asia to Africa, Cuba to the United States, and from Brazil to Italy. Discover these countries and most importantly the people in it through the lens of a talented photographer who hit the road with only a little more than a bag of clothes and film. Accompany the photographer and meet people of different ages, cultures, and ethnicities emanating great power. The exhibition reveals the approach of McCurry to photography as well as his desire to share emotion in the face of human suffering, joy, and amazement.