14 December 2013 – 12 January 2014
Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
via Soldino 9
6900 Lugano, Switzerland
LuganoPhotoDays announces a new solo exhibition by international award-winning photojournalist, GMB Akash from Bangladesh. The SURVIVORS exhibition represents more than a decade of photographic work that resulted in the second book of GMB Akash.
“It depicts the invincibility of the human spirit to survive against all odds. The project focuses on the people at the bottom of society who are struggling to survive every day.” GMB Akash

His overall mission in the project is to find all of the Bangladeshi subjects in his photographs included in the SURVIVORS book and then help them rebuild their lives by setting them up in small businesses and mentoring them in order for them to become self-sufficient. Proceeds from the sale of the book, postcards and his photographs go to this mission.
“Despite knowing a photographer’s duty is only tilted for showing and investigating reality, this simple rule does not bring peace to my heart.”
“I started searching faces inside the book and outside the book, which I photographed and found in vulnerable situations. One year I compromised my time, my photography, my assignments and my daily life to search for these faces, I started living with them, understanding them and keep looking for what I can do to make them be able to earn a better life together.”
[box_light]Survivors by Gmb Akash, the Story and Photos[/box_light]
“Searching a face which I shot 10 years ago is not an easy job, a face can be invisible in a crowd but I have been fortunate to find many of them and have been building their trust on me. I ensure them a better life, much better than they were living. This gives me faith to publish my book ‘Survivors’ which is and will be the source of finance and gifting business/opportunity/education/chances to these ‘Survivors’” GMB Akash
This incredibly selfless project by GMB Akash has enabled many people already to regain their dignity by developing a lucrative activity with the aid of this renowned photographer who provides the funds and the professional equipment. He continually follows the progress of their activities and provides additional support if necessary.
GMB Akash pays tribute to the Bangladeshi people by showing their courageous and dazzling smiles, their unimaginable capacity to overcome difficulties and their resplendent sense of humanity.
“Who is there to bring them into the light from their working-living-Hell? Who will save these innocent hearts which will decline with time! Is there anyone? ” GMB Akash
[box_light]GMB Akash: SURVIVORS Photography Exhibition[/box_light]
LuganoPhotoDays
From December 14, 2013 to January 12, 2014
Open every day from 8 AM to 8 PM. Free entrance.
Guided visit: Saturday December 14 at 4 PM or upon request.
The ‘Survivors’ photo book as well as postcard sets and GMB Akash’s Photographic prints will be available for purchase to raise funds for this mission. See the LuganoPhotoDays website for details.
‘Survivors’ photo book as well as the other articles are also available via email info@LuganoPhotoDays.ch
Exhibition location
Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana
Lugano, Switzerland
via Soldino 9, First floor
6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Sponsors
LuganoPhotoDays
Telephone: +41 91 220 22 00
Email: info@LuganoPhotoDays
Website: http://www.luganophotodays.ch/en/news/survivors-at-conservatorio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuganoPhotoDays
[box_light]More information about GMB Akash[/box_light]

Click to enlarge
As a multimedia Journalist, GMB Akash has travelled intensively in 22 countries and received more than 70 international awards. His work has been featured in over 80 major, international publications including: National Geographic, Vogue, Time, The New York Times, The International Herald Tribune, The Sunday Times, Newsweek, Geo, Stern, Der Spiegel, The Fader, Brand Ein, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Colors, The Economist, The New Internationalist, Kontinente, Amnesty Journal, Courier International, PDN, Die Zeit, Days Japan, Hello, and The Sunday Telegraph of London.
Born in Bangladesh, GMB Akash uses his talent, his passion and his camera to communicate through the extraordinary images he takes: those injustices that most people do not want to acknowledge.
GMB Akash
Agency – www.panos.co.uk
Website – www.gmb-akash.com
Archive – www.akash-images.com
Blog – www.gmbakash.wordpress.com
GMB Akash has newly founded, the nonprofit First Light Institute of Photography near Dhaka, Bangladesh to enable affordable training to young aspiring photographers as well as to fundraise to support education for impoverished young children, millions of which are factory workers or street kids. Read about his first successful heartwarming activities.
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