Close Enough: Magnum’s Women Photographers

n celebration of Magnum Photos’ 75th anniversary, the Hangar Art Center in Brussels, Belgium, is hosting an extraordinary exhibition titled “Close Enough – 12 Women Photographers of Magnum.” This exhibition, curated by Charlotte Cotton, runs from September 8 to December 16, 2023, and showcases the works of twelve remarkable female photographers who have redefined the boundaries of intimacy and proximity in photography.

Myriam Boulos  – Magnum photos © Be Culture

“Close Enough” explores the thematic concept of closeness, a principle famously encapsulated by Robert Capa’s words, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough.” However, this exhibition takes a nuanced view, moving beyond physical proximity to embrace emotional, psychological, and cultural closeness.

The exhibition features the works of Olivia Arthur, Myriam Boulos, Sabiha Çimen, Bieke Depoorter, Carolyn Drake, Nanna Heitmann, Susan Meiselas, Cristina de Middel, Hannah Price, Lua Ribeira, Alessandra Sanguinetti, and Newsha Tavakolian. These artists bring diverse perspectives, ranging from war photojournalism to intimate portrayals of personal and cultural identities.

                           Carolyn Drake Magnum photos ©Be Culture

Curator Charlotte Cotton has masterfully woven these varied narratives into a cohesive display that challenges and expands the viewer’s perception of closeness. The exhibition is not just a showcase of individual talent but a collective narrative that resonates with contemporary societal themes.

The exhibition also includes a striking installation by Georges Rousse, who has transformed the Hangar space with his unique architectural interventions, adding another layer of depth and intrigue to the overall experience.

The press conference, held in the presence of Georges Rousse, Bieke Depoorter, and Andrea Holzherr from the Magnum agency, set the tone for this groundbreaking exhibition. The opening night on September 7 was a testament to the enduring power and relevance of photographic art.

Lua Ribeira – Magnum photos ©Be Culture

“Close Enough – 12 Women Photographers of Magnum” is more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of photography to connect us to others and to the world. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of photographic art and the powerful stories that can be told through the lens of intimacy and proximity.

Place du Châtelain 18, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.  www.hangar.art