UAE National Environmental Day is taking place on February 4th; a well established event that serves to focus the attention of government, the corporate sector and the general public on matters of environmental concern.
This national awareness comes just days in advance of the opening of the Prix PICTET photography exhibition sponsored by the Geneva private bank, Pictet & Cie at The Empty Quarter Fine Art Photography Gallery, taking place on Tuesday 9th February from 7- 10 pm.
The Prix PICTET is the world’s first prize dedicated to photography and sustainability and has a unique mandate where it uses the power of photography to communicate crucial messages to a global audience. It has a unique goal, which is art of the highest order that is applied to the immense social and environmental threats that the new millennium has brought.
The shortlisted nominees will be exhibiting their impressions of the theme ‘earth’ at The Empty Quarter Fine Art Photography Gallery in Dubai with the opening reception on the 9th of February from 7- 10 pm. The photographs tell of the harmful and often irreversible effects of exploiting the earth’s resources, and reflect on the immediate and long-term impact of unsustainable development on communities across the globe.
The environment and sustainability are key issues globally and the Empty Quarter Gallery understands the need to raise and support these issues through showcasing messages through different mediums, including photography.
“We are delighted that the Prix PICTET is coming to Dubai during the same month as the UAE National Environmental Day, which allows further community support and awareness of this crucial topic,” explains Elie Domit, Owner and Curator of The Empty Quarter Fine Art Photography Gallery. “To further gain visual awareness of the environmental topic, our design partners Fritz Hansen are showcasing a range of furniture made from raw and ecologically sustainable materials throughout the exhibition.”
Kofi Annan, the 7th secretary general of the United Nations stated in his formal presentation at the awards dinner “ Only weeks separate us from the decisive negotiations on climate change in Copenhagen. We are confronted with the vital need to prepare the political momentum necessary for a fair and effective post-Kyoto agreement. The images in front of us remind us of the fragility of our planet and the damage we have already done. When we see these photographs we cannot close our eyes and remain indifferent. Through our actions and voices, we must keep building the pressure to secure urgent action at Copenhagen an beyond.”
