Last Friday I attended a lecture and presentation by Thomas Dworzak. Mr. Dworzak is the youngest photojournalist employed by Magnum Photos, which is the premier photojournalism agency in the world. Mr. Dworzak’s presentation of photos started out with some of his first work in Chechnya, which is a small territory trying to gain its independence from Russia.
Mr. Dworzak also showed a long slideshow of photos he took while embedded in Iraq with the American Army. He said that while he was over in Iraq, a friend sent him the complete series of M*A*S*H on DVD. Mr. Dworzak realized they many of the themes and dialogue in M*A*S*H was relevant to the war in Iraq today. Mr. Dworzak watched the show with english subtitles, and photographed the screen. These images were used in his slideshow, and were supported by photos he took in Iraq. I thought it was a pretty clever idea, and a great way to show that war has always been hell, and probably will always be.
If you are interested in viewing some of Thomas Dworzak’s photos, his site is: http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/C.aspx?VP=XSpecific_MAG.PhotographerDetail_VPage&l1=0&pid=2K7O3R14JP6U&nm=Thomas%20Dworzak
But did you like the presentation? (I ask because I’m genuinely curious).
I thought he was great, particularly because his photojournalism job is so different than mine. This quote really struck me:
“What are you going to do? Get a stupid job, photographing stupid things?”
I don’t think he’s wrong. The world needs passionate people like Dworzak shooting pictures but I don’t aspire to it.
Yes, I really enjoyed his presentation. He was quite an interesting man to listen to, and I enjoyed his slideshows. I can totally understand that he & Julius are buddies, cause their both crazy (in a good way)!