Fermo, Italy – Palazzo dei Priori is proud to host Steve McCurry: Children, a deeply moving exhibition dedicated to childhood as seen through the lens of world-renowned photographer Steve McCurry. Running from December 20, 2024, to May 4, 2025, this unique showcase features over 50 photographs capturing the resilience, joy, and innocence of children across the globe.
A Lifetime of Capturing Childhood
For nearly five decades, Steve McCurry has traveled the world, documenting humanity through his evocative and iconic images. Children marks his first thematic exhibition entirely devoted to the experiences of children, weaving together narratives of both hardship and hope. From the war-torn landscapes of Afghanistan to the bustling streets of Cuba, McCurry’s photographs offer a universal portrayal of childhood that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
“I have been privileged to photograph children all over the world,” McCurry shares. “As a father myself, I now appreciate even more their energy, curiosity, and potential. Despite the challenging environments many are born into, children possess an extraordinary ability to smile, laugh, and find moments of joy. There is always hope that a child can grow and change the world.”
Exploring Universal Themes Through Innocent Eyes
Curated by Biba Giacchetti, the exhibition immerses visitors in McCurry’s empathetic and respectful storytelling. The photographs depict children in diverse settings: playing in remote villages, enduring the struggles of refugee camps, and finding joy in the simplest of moments. Iconic images include the famous portrait of an Afghan girl in a refugee camp in 1984, a photograph that has since become a global symbol of war’s impact on childhood.
“This collection reveals a universal human condition,” explains Giacchetti. “McCurry captures children’s resilience and capacity for joy, even in the harshest circumstances. These stories inspire a collective reflection on our responsibilities toward future generations.”
A Journey Through Diverse Cultures
The exhibition highlights scenes from countries such as India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Tibet, Madagascar, and beyond. One photograph shows children playing on a rusted tank, transforming a symbol of destruction into an instrument of joy. Another captures children under ancient baobabs in Madagascar, their innocent games juxtaposed with the timeless resilience of nature.
“Wherever McCurry points his lens, his message is clear: as long as there are children, there is hope,” remarks photographic critic Owen Edwards.
More Than an Exhibition
Beyond the images, the exhibition offers a video presentation exploring McCurry’s experiences and his unique approach to photography. Visitors are invited to reflect on their own childhoods and the collective duty to create a better future for younger generations.
An Invitation to Reflect
Steve McCurry’s Children is more than a photographic exhibition—it’s an invitation to explore the universal essence of childhood and a call to action for a more compassionate world. As visitors move through the gallery, they embark on a journey of shared humanity, guided by McCurry’s unparalleled artistry and the timeless gaze of his young subjects.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the magic and depth of Steve McCurry’s lens.
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