Prix Pictet 2009 Commission winner Ed Kashi will show his photographs from Madagascar at London’s Diemar / Noble Photography gallery from 20 April to 1 May 2010. Kashi was one of twelve leading international photographers shortlisted for the 2009 Prix Pictet, the world’s only major annual photography award to focus on sustainability. Nadav Kander, the 2009 Prix Pictet winner, received the CHF100,000 award from Kofi Annan, honorary president of the Prix Pictet, in October 2009. At the same time Kashi was invited to produce a portfolio of images from Madagascar, where Pictet & Cie had decided to support a sustainability programme relating to ‘Earth’, the theme of the 2009 award. Kashi, who travelled to Madagascar in January 2010 said, “My work has led me to many places on this earth and it’s critically clear our world is under tremendous stress.  The relationship we hold as human beings with the earth, and the issues that are raised with regard to how we go about conducting this vital relationship, have developed into core themes within my work. Nowhere are the effects of this dysfunctional relationship more evident than in Madagascar.” The Diemar / Noble Photography gallery is located at 66/67 Wells Street, London W1T 3PY.

Prixpictet Press Release

Prix Pictet 2009 Commission exhibition: Ed Kashi’s photographs reveal the ecological plight of Madagascar

Diemar / Noble Photography
66/67 Wells Street, London W1T 3PY
20 April to 1 May 2010

London, 24 February 2010   Prix Pictet 2009 Commission winner Ed Kashi will show his photographs from Madagascar at London’s Diemar / Noble Photography gallery, London 20 April - 1 May 2010.

Kashi was one of twelve leading international photographers shortlisted for the 2009 Prix Pictet, the world’s only major annual photography award to focus on sustainability.

Nadav Kander, the 2009 Prix Pictet winner, received the CHF100,000 award from Kofi Annan, honorary president of the Prix Pictet, in October 2009. At the same time Kashi was invited to produce a portfolio of images from Madagascar, where Pictet & Cie had decided to support a sustainability programme relating to ‘Earth’, the theme of the 2009 award.

Pictet chose to support the work of Azafady, a UK charity and Malagasy-registered NGO that helps the poorest communities in Madagascar develop sustainable ways of living and increase local access to healthcare and education.

Pictet made a specific commitment to Azafady’s Voly Hazo project.  This project aims, through tree planting and preservation of the natural forest, both to preserve the soil from degradation and to halt the harmful progress of desertification.

Madagascar is classified as one of the world’s top three “hotspots” for biodiversity; yet it is also one of the poorest and most environmentally challenged countries in the world.  Through Kashi’s pictures, we see the compromised beauty of this threatened island which has been described as follows: ‘The island should be thickly covered with trees. But instead of the living green of vegetation, the land is pitilessly scoured. ... This is not from commercial logging. The trees fall at the hands of poverty-stricken Malagasy, who need to feed their children. It’s one of the most massive modern ecological disasters yet catalogued, and it has unfolded mostly over the past thirty years.” (Alanna Mitchell, Dancing at the Dead Sea: Tracking the World’s Environmental Hotspots)

Kashi, who travelled to Madagascar in January 2010 said, “My work has led me to many places on this earth and it’s critically clear our world is under tremendous stress.  The relationship we hold as human beings with the earth, and the issues that are raised with regard to how we go about conducting this vital relationship, have developed into core themes within my work. Nowhere are the effects of this dysfunctional relationship more evident than in Madagascar.”

He added, “This Commission for the Prix Pictet is in direct response to the global cry to stop and take responsibility, seen through the dignified and vibrant people of south east Madagascar, in a cross-examination of the intricate ties that bind them to the earth.”

Mark Jacobs, Director of Azafady UK, said “Ed’s sensitivity to this subject has been remarkable.  Within a few days he managed to capture the essence of our work here, from the issue of ‘tavy’, or slash-and-burn agriculture, which has caused so much damage to the precious remaining environment. The photographs brilliantly capture the daily struggle against drought, failed crops and sand encroachment. ”

Images from the series that Kashi presented for the Prix Pictet shortlist, “Curse of the Black Gold: 50 years of oil in the Niger Delta”, will be shown at Host Gallery, London 8 March - 3 April 2010.  Kashi’s work will also be included in an exhibition of past Prix Pictet winners at the Musée d’Elysée, Lausanne, June 2010.

The theme and cycle for Prix Pictet III will be announced at the annual photography festival in France, Les Rencontres d’Arles, 8 July 2010.

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