A new outdoor exhibition of 40 images by Magnum photographers will explore Charles Darwin’s legacy in modern society. Inspired by Darwin’s links to Shrewsbury, the exhibition reflects on man’s progression through technology, changes in society, environmental concerns, scientific discoveries, and the historical events which have shaped the world we live in today.
Traversing the globe from Australia to Brooklyn via Malaysia, the exhibition includes a diverse selection of photographs from the seed vault in Svalbard by Jonas Bendiksen, Longleat Safari Park by Martin Parr, to the Horniman Museum and the protests in Tiananmen Square by Stuart Franklin. Other photographers included in the exhibition are Trent Parke, Philip Jones Griffiths, Elliott Erwitt, Peter Marlow, Alex Webb, Rene Burri, and Robert Capa – examining man’s place in the ever changing world.
Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury in 1809 and published his landmark On the Origin of the Species in 1859. His theory of evolution by natural selection led to a rethinking of human’s place in the world – the idea that humans shared ancestry with apes was a challenge to the foundations of western civilisation. Evolution Explored will coincide with International Darwin Day, and Darwin’s birthday on 12 February.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), The Hive Arts Centre, GRAIN Photography Hub and partners. In association with the exhibition, there will be a series of activities including a Photo Safari and a Magnum Photos Talk. For further information visit www.hiveonline.org.uk and www.grainphotographyhub.co.cuk
The ten-week exhibition also links to Magnum Photos’ 70th anniversary which is to be marked by a series of international events, projects and partnerships.
“We are delighted to be collaborating on this outdoor exhibition, looking at Magnum’s archive through the prism of evolution. As Magnum moves into its 70th year, it is a timely concept as we reflect on our own history and evolution. The exhibition will display powerful historic and contemporary photographs exploring Darwin’s legacy in modern society,” said Emily Graham, Cultural Commissions & Partnerships at Magnum Photos.
Trish Donovan, Shrewsbury BID Board Member, said: “Charles Darwin was born and raised in Shrewsbury. The town is rightly proud of this special connection to the man who became one of the most important figures in history with his theory of evolution by natural selection. It’s a unique event for the town to experience such renowned work and we expect it to attract thousands of visitors.”
Salla Virman, Director for the Hive, added: “This is an exciting and inspirational arts project looking at evolution through the eyes of some of the most influential photographers around. ‘Evolution Explored’ will celebrate the link between Charles Darwin and Shrewsbury but also give everyone the opportunity to enjoy high quality art in an accessible way. We would like to thank Arts Council England for their support to make the project possible and sponsors Redrow Homes, Shrewsbury Shopping and Shrewsbury Colleges Group.”