GLIMPSES OF CHILDHOOD
"Working in Kuwait after the first Gulf War was a surreal and unforgettable experience. There were 600 oil wells ablaze, terrified and starving animals roaming everywhere, and the landscape was littered with dead Iraqi soldiers. It was heartbreaking to see those dying animals, of which we were supposed to be the guardians..."
Steve McCurry
The theme of animals in Steve McCurry’s photographic world dates back to 1991, a defining moment in contemporary history. McCurry entered Kuwait alongside US troops towards the end of the Gulf War. During the withdrawal, Saddam Hussein ordered more than six hundred oil wells to be set alight, triggering one of the most devastating ecological disasters of all time. Amidst this apocalyptic landscape, McCurry documented the impact of the catastrophe on the ecosystem and, in particular, on animal species, the silent victims of human violence. From this experience emerged images that have become part of our collective memory: the silhouettes of camels against a burning horizon and the now iconic photograph of a red-eyed bird trapped in oil. Its power was recognised by a special World Press Photo jury—the Children’s Jury, made up of children from different countries—which selected the image of the camels not only for its captivating beauty, but for its ability to convey the anguish of a senseless tragedy that affected the most defenceless and unaware creatures. Since then, McCurry has continued to tell human stories that inevitably intertwine with those of animals, towards whom he shows a deep sense of empathy. He has dedicated both a book and an exhibition to this reality, constructing a narrative across multiple registers: alongside the most dramatic images of the Gulf War are poetic moments, scenes of interaction between humans and animals, ironic portraits and glimpses of everyday life, as well as visions of animals living freely in the wild or forming part of human survival systems. A tireless explorer of the human condition, McCurry takes us here on a journey into the contiguity of the animal world. His images speak of suffering and dignity, of relationships and responsibility, reminding us that we are not alone: among all living beings there exists a deep and mysterious bond that we call life.
