Brigitte Mandelartz has been named as the 'Guest of Honour' at 'AURA 2024 - International Photography & Art Exhibition'. This prestigious event, organized by Retro Kolkata Magazine, is set to unfold at Nazrul Tirtha, Newtown, Kolkata, from January 13 to January 21, 2024.
The exhibition is split into two segments: the art exhibition from January 13 to 15, followed by the photography exhibition from January 18 to 20. The event will conclude with a felicitation ceremony on January 21. Mandelartz, a seasoned professional from MISEREOR, a German-based NGO, has a rich history in both photography and humanitarian work.
Mandelartz's passion for photography blossomed during the Covid-19 pandemic when travel restrictions led her to explore the beauty in her local surroundings. Her work primarily focuses on landscapes, lost places, street, and portrait photography, capturing special moments even in the most ordinary of settings.
Her career spans over 30 years at MISEREOR, where she has had the opportunity to travel extensively, especially in India since 2014 as a Programme Officer. These travels have not only fueled her passion for photography but also allowed her to connect deeply with various communities. Working with migrant and indigenous peoples, Mandelartz has been touched by their resilience and strength. Her encounters often involve field visits to rural and urban areas, listening to stories of hardship and triumph.
Mandelartz emphasizes the importance of listening to local communities, valuing traditional knowledge, and ensuring stakeholder involvement in social projects. The positive changes she witnesses in revisited projects instill in her a deep sense of hope and gratitude.
Returning to Germany with a wealth of memorable moments and photographs, Mandelartz finds herself enriched and grateful for these experiences. They have profoundly impacted her perspective on life, reinforcing her commitment to capturing life's beautiful moments through her camera.
The 'AURA 2024' event promises to be a platform where Mandelartz's unique blend of artistic vision and humanitarian insight will be showcased, offering a rare glimpse into the world through her lens.
