2nd Biennial of World Images

Photoquai 2009

Photoquai, the biennial festival of photography based in Paris, was founded in 2007. Dedicated to non-western photography, the festival aims to to raise the international profile of artists previously unexhibited or little-known in Europe. It also aims to foster cultural exchange — and the vibrant interchange of different world views.

This year, the Guest of Honor at Photoquai is Iran. The festival has been directed by Anahita Ghabaian Etehadieh, an Iranian gallerist and founder of the Silk Road Gallery in Tehran, a space specifically dedicated to photography.

Etehadieh has organised an intriguing exhibition, focusing on the themes of politics, society and poetry, and featuring the work of 50 contemporary photographers from around the world. South America, Latin America, North America, Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Near and Middle East are all represented. As you'd expect, there's a good selection of work from Iran, but countries from China, Argentina and Afghanistan — even Kazakhstan and the tiny Réunion Islands — all make strong contributions.

You can view a generous selection of 60 images here, or via our high-resolution slideshow (be patient, this takes a while to load).

Enjoy!

— Photoquai takes place at the Musée Quai Branly, Paris, from 22 September—22 November 2009.