Photographer invites viewers to observe and address inequality
Questions and answers. International award-winning photographer Yousef Khanfar quietly explores the possibilities of both. In some ways, this is natural for him. He did not start to speak until he was 5. The doctors found that he had no physical, psychological or emotional issues but believed that he would speak when he was ready. He was observing his environment. It was recommended that finding a vehicle to allow him to express himself would encourage him to communicate. The camera did just that. And that was the beginning of his journey.
On March 3, Yousef Khanfar will present “Journey of Light.” This body of work expresses his lifelong commitment to speak for those who have no voice or those whose voices are minimized. As a photographer, Khanfar continues to observe and address issues related to equity and equality around the world.
“My life mission is to create change in the world,” Khanfar said.
As one looks at the visual composition of the black and white image “Workers,” the camera captures the conditions of those that work long and hard hours to provide for their families. Hopefully, the viewer will feel some compassion and have a desire to be of help to others.
In the image “Honor and Dignity,” women walk back and forth carrying wood and branches for $25 a month to provide for their children.
The image “Freedom!” encourages the viewer to imagine themselves in a massive composition of energy. How do we define freedom? The flow of the water symbolizes the energy in society continuing to move, many times being minimized by the issues in society and other times becoming forced to move vigorously by the stationary impact of the rocks, the power structures that dictate and control the issues of society.
Khanfar personally invites conscious citizens from around the world to join him on this Journey of Light. Working together will eliminate hate and the inequities in society.