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In the realm of contemporary photography, few names evoke the same level of depth and emotion as the work of Steve McCurry. Renowned for his captivating portraits and evocative photojournalism, McCurry's lens has captured the essence of humanity in its most authentic form. From the bustling streets of India to the remote villages of Afghanistan, his images have transcended geographical borders, resonating with audiences worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.

With a career spanning over four decades, Steve McCurry has traversed the globe, bearing witness to some of the most defining moments in recent history. His iconic photograph Afghan Girl, featured on the cover of National Geographic in 1985, remains one of the most recognizable and celebrated images of all time, symbolizing resilience and beauty amidst adversity.

Born out of a passion for storytelling and a profound curiosity about the world, McCurry's body of work reflects a deep empathy for his subjects and a commitment to capturing the human experience in all its complexity. Whether documenting the plight of refugees, the vibrancy of cultural traditions, or the quiet moments of everyday life, his photographs are imbued with a sense of intimacy and authenticity that transcends language and culture.

McCurry's recently published book Devotion: Love and Spirituality takes us on a visual odyssey across continents and cultures, revealing the universal threads that bind us all. It not only encapsulates his lifelong dedication to documenting the human condition but also invites us to witness moments of profound connection and reverence, from the sacred rituals of Buddhist monks in Myanmar to the quiet devotion of worshippers in Indian temples. Through his lens, everyday scenes are transformed into transcendent tableaus, where the divine intersects with the ordinary, and the human spirit shines forth in all its splendor. As in his entire oeuvre, color plays a vibrant role in these photographs—the saturated green of a Yemeni clover field, the bright crimson cloth held aloft by a Namibian shepherd boy, the pink procession in McCurry’s famous photograph of nuns walking the rain-mirrored streets of Yangon. 

The release is being celebrated in a current solo show at Cavalier Gallery, which brings together over 30 iconic works. Visitors to the exhibition are greeted by the book’s cover image, the 1994 photograph depicting Buddhist monks at the famous pilgrimage site in Myanmar. The centerpiece of the installation is a wall of eight portraits, faces across time and place, in various seasons of life, marked by personal narratives, yet all exhibiting an arresting sense of self through McCurry’s lens. The exhibition, running until March 30th, 2024, showcases McCurry's ability to capture the human spirit in its many forms.

As we sit down with McCurry for an exclusive interview, we delve into the essence of his latest photographic release and the motivation behind it, exploring the stories behind his most captivating images and his enduring commitment to capturing the beauty and complexity of our shared humanity.

Read the interview in WIDEWALLS here.