Where religion meets the world

Extended deadline for submissions: March 15, 2007

See Consulter le lien for the terms and more information

Faith is once again a focus of interest. But what role does faith really play in our society? It can be a safe haven in which meaning and community spirit are found, but it can also turn into a breeding ground for intolerance against those who do not share its ideas.

Noorderlicht welcomes series about the positive effects of faith, but in this second call we ask particularly for photo series that visualize the other side of the coin.

The main exhibition at the Noorderlicht Photofestival 2007 explores the interface between faith and the world around it, where the clash of opinions leads to action. When does belief in one’s own rightness lead to loss of respect for another, or worse still, to taking the life of that other?

Old work and new, documentary photography and autonomous art, subjects on a small or large scale, personal or universal, from anywhere in the world: Noorderlicht is seeking photo series that spur us to thinking about the role and influence of practicing faith in the world.

* Year upon year whole groups in the population are at war with one another in a nightmare of civil wars, oppression, ethnic cleansing and terrorism. Muslims, Hindus, Christians: all have their holy scriptures in one hand and a sword in the other.

* Behind the scenes in the US, power is in the hands of Christian fundamentalists. Doctors at abortion clinics are murdered, teachers are not free to choose science over the Bible, the media are on a leash. Democracy guarantees freedom of religion, but does religion guarantee freedom in that democracy?

* People who have grown up in a strict religious environment and wish to escape its constraints will have a rough time of it, both in the West and in the East. The consequences can run from a ‘mild’ social exclusion to mutilation or even death.

* In their search for meaning, people are brainwashed by sects, end up in communities that isolate themselves and disassociate themselves from the rest of the world.

* The balance between freedom of expression and the prohibition on insulting groups or discrimination is shaky. All over the world scientists, artists and opinion-shapers are facing problems because they espouse a view which does not agree with that of the majority – or of an influential minority.

* Conflicts leave their scars on the landscape. Statues are destroyed in the name of faith. Old places of worship are destroyed, new places of worship are built. Sometimes that leads to protest, even violence; other times the world ignores what is happening.

* Etc.

Submissions and suggestions can be sent direct to the curator at the address below, or to Contacter

Please read the rules for submissions at Consulter le lien first

Noorderlicht Photofestival 2007 - Act of Faith

Groningen, September 16 through October 28, 2007

Noorderlicht Photofestival, Gallery, Projects, Publisher

Consulter le lien Contacter

T +31 50 318 2227 F +31 50 318 2204

Address: Akerkhof 12, 9711 JB Groningen, NL
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