The face of incurable optimism
Images from foreign parts of late have understandably centred on the twin towers atrocities. Similarly, other offerings from overseas all too often rely on themes that quickly lose their appeal once 'famine fatigue' sets in, with many a photo-journalist hitching a ride on the nearest charitable airlift as a shortcut to a byline in a crowded news market.
Gideon Mendel's arresting black-and-white photographs and personal testimonies have been recorded over the past eight years - and it shows. Of the 36 million people known to have the HIV virus 70 per cent live in central and southern Africa. Already 16 million people have died there (compared with 14,000 on our own cosseted shores). This intimate account highlights how individuals, families and communities are responding to the epidemic, and what shines out from the images is the optimism of those living with the disease and the initiatives being undertaken by people striving for a positive and healthy future. All in all, a response from the communities that Mendel spent time with, rather than our response to them whenever the media spotlight happens to come their way.
Broken Landscapes: HIV And Aids In Africa, opens Fri 23 Nov, the.gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, SE1 (020-7401 2255).
Photo exhibition: Robert Doisneau-Un Moment De Bonheur
