The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is featuring a special online and offline exhibition showcasing 120 photographs of the world that captures the moments of chaos, desperation, courage, and hope of humanity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosted by the SMG and organized by the global press photo agency PENTA PRESS, the main and special exhibitions of “Seoul International Photojournalism Exhibition (SIPE): 2020 Seoul of New Hope” will be held from Oct. 20 to Dec. 20, 2020.
The main exhibition will feature 70 press photos of the COVID-19 pandemic subcategorized under the themes of chaos, desperation, courage, and hope. The images of the chaotic and distressing scenes around the world and citizens living their lives while fighting the pandemic will spread a message of courage and hope that the COVID-19 crisis can be overcome.
The special exhibition will showcase examples of photojournalism from six cities, including Seoul, New York, London, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and Johannesburg.
The SMG will display all exhibitions of this event online for access via web and smartphone, hoping for more citizens to enjoy while practicing social distancing.
Moreover, “360° Virtual Gallery” has been specially prepared to provide participants a unique experience to view the real landscapes of the Seoul Metropolitan Library, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Doldam-gil of Deoksugung Palace, and other attractions in Seoul through virtual reality.
The online exhibition is anticipated to attract more citizens, and it will be exhibited in the offline exhibition as well. The images can be viewed from the facade of the Seoul Metropolitan Library and Sangam Digital Media Street (DMS) for 12 days from Oct. 20–31, 2020.
As for the Seoul Metropolitan Library, it will have 25 pieces of exhibits displayed along the windows of the ground floor on the facade of the building, which visitors can enjoy while walking around the library. In Sangam DMS (the street between the buildings of Sangam MBC and Seoul Business Agency), a large panel of two meters in height will be installed to display 20 pieces of photographs. Images of the pieces will also be presented through a nearby digital billboard.
A special session is also prepared where participants can find out more about the stories of images from six photojournalists who will be participating in the special exhibition. A video interview of the photojournalists will be aired via the official website, Facebook, and YouTube.
The SMG aims to endorse the exhibition through official social media channels by opening events citizens can participate and giving out prizes, as well as promoting the global image of Seoul as successfully leading the quarantine practices against COVID-19.
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government (http://english.seoul.go.kr)
