Held in the birth-place of naturalist Charles Darwin,ÌýEvolution ExploredÌýchroniclesÌýtheÌýuniversal and regional shifts taking place across the world. Key momentsÌýin humankind’s history are brought to the fore through colour and black and whiteÌýdocumentaryÌýphotography from the 1940s to the present day. Notable artistsÌýcapture significant political events – Stuart Franklin’sÌýTiananmen, for example,Ìýdepicts the looming tragedy of Beijing’s 1989 June Fourth Incident through the image of a bare-chested student lifted high above the crowd, whilst Rene Burri’s references a more contained expression of freedom through a raised v-sign inÌýAntiVietnam War Rally, Washington (1969).
Curated thematically rather than chronologically, the outdoor exhibition invites audiences to make comparisons between disparate generations and locations. Michael Christopher Brown’sÌýKili, Marshall Islands (2016), is displayed opposite Burri’s image in an attempt to forge a dialogue about the US Government’s positive and negative relationships overseas. Reminding the viewer of Magnum’s scope of photographers and their relevance today are scenes by the likes of Robert Capa, whoseÌýArriving Immigrants, HaifaÌý(1949-1950), connects with the current migrant crisis.
A nod to technological advancement is made in Rene’sÌýUS Moonlanding on TV (1972), and Peter Marlow’s The Last Days of Concorde (2003). Contemplating our relationship with the environment is Jonas Bendiksen’sÌýThe Entrance to the Seed Vault, Svalbard (2016), which remarks on our responsibility to safeguard the planet’s most important natural resource: plants. Franklin’sÌýThe Natural History Galleries of the Horniman MuseumÌý(1993), illustrates a Darwinian skeletal evolution while Elliott Erwitt looks at our domestication of animals inÌýNew York CityÌý(2000). Martin Parr also makes an appearance withÌýLongleat Safari Park (1994), andÌýJapan, Miyazaki (1996), bringing to light our artificial encounters with nature.
Selina Oakes.
Magnum Photos: Evolution Explored, until 23 April,ÌýShrewsbury Town Centre.
Find out more:Ìý.
Credits:
1. Stuart Franklin, Orchid hunting in the rainforest. Forest where rare orchids grow. Borneo, Malaysia. (2002). Courtesy of Stuart Franklin and Magnum Photos.
