A special photo exhibition is to be launched in London on Monday 22 November to mark the approaching first anniversary of the earthquake that destroyed the historical Iranian city of Bam.
The project, organised by London-based photographer Nevil Mountford, in collaboration with British medical relief agency Merlin, offers a unique perspective on how the earthquake survivors are rebuilding their lives nearly one year on after the disaster.
Nevil travelled to Bam in October and gave 60 men, women and children disposable cameras to take snapshots of their homes, families and places of special significance. A selection of these remarkably moving images will be exhibited together with each individual’s story in his or her own words.
More than 26,000 people were killed, tens of thousands were injured and left homeless, and some 90% of the city was flattened by the earthquake on 26 December 2003. Relief agencies estimate it will take up to 10 years to rebuild the city.
This exhibition aims to highlight the courage and resilience of the people of Bam, and to remind the world of the enormity of the tragedy. Merlin responded to the disaster within 72 hours, sending in a team of medical professionals and logisticians to distribute medical supplies and other essential relief items, and to carry out emergency health assessments. Today, Merlin is still working in Bam and the surrounding rural districts, rebuilding or repairing and equipping health facilities.
Nevil, of picture agency NB Pictures, was inspired to help the people of Bam after meeting Merlin’s team and witnessing the scale of the devastation during a visit to the city earlier this year.
He said: “Bam has gone through a tragedy on an unparalleled scale. About 80% of the people have in one way or another experienced the loss of a family member, a neighbour or a friend. These memories shine through in the photos that 60 people of Bam took.
“Images of rubble and natural destruction prevail, but overwhelmingly there are images that show a side of human nature that is resilient and courageous.
“The people of Bam have chosen to depict themselves as individuals with dignity and humour, as well as pain and despair.”
A Day in the Life of Bam will be launched at the Spitz Gallery, 109 Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market, London, E1 6BG, at 7.30pm on Monday 22 November. Lord Phillips of Sudbury, a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Iran, will be a guest speaker.
This exhibition has also been sponsored and assisted by Kodak, Terre des Hommes and NB Pictures. If you wish to make a donation to support this project, please give online at
www.justgiving.com/adayinthelifeofbam
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CONTACTS:
Ju-Lin Tan
Media and PR Officer
4th Floor, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7065 0800
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7065 0801
ju-lin.tan@merlin.org.uk
www.picturepeople.org
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