The World Press Photo 2004 Exhibition

In celebration of the Corcoran College of Art + Design’s first class of photojournalism graduates, the Corcoran will offer several photojournalism exhibitions throughout the summer.World Press Photo 2004, presented in partnership with The World Bank, is an internationally-recognized contest and exhibition which honors outstanding photographers and photojournalists from around the world. The exhibition opens on World Press Freedom Day, May3, and remains on view at the Corcoran Gallery of Art through July 5, 2004.

“We live in chaotic times, and the images ofWorld Press Photo 2004reflect the drama of events of the past year,” notes Elisabeth Biondi, chair of the exhibition jury. “We saw heartbreaking pictures from conflicts in Iraq, Liberia and Iran; and moving pictures of an AIDS-infected villagein China, and of the forgotten Hmong guerrillas in Laos.”

Each year the World Press Photo Foundation invites press photographers and photojournalists from around the world to participate in the World Press Photo Contest. This year, 4,176 professional photographers from 124 countries entered their work. The Foundation, which is based in Amsterdam, organizes a traveling exhibition comprised of the best photographs from each of the following categories: Spot News, General News, People in the News, Sports Action, Sports Features, Contemporary Issues, Daily Life, Portraits, Nature and Arts and Entertainment.The exhibition at the Corcoran features approximately 175 photographs.

“The Corcoran is pleased to partner with The World Bank in presenting this remarkable exhibition that complements the Corcoran College of Art + Design’s mission to educate future photojournalists,” comments David Levy, Corcoran President and Director. “Most photojournalism degrees are offered under the auspices of journalism programs, not art schools. The Corcoran College’s program is unique in that students augment their technical skills with the artistic underpinnings of fine art photography.”