Drowning World is a photography project that aims to put a human face on the devastation wrought by floods. The photos -- also intended to act as a commentary on the detrimental effects of global warming -- have been taken by London-based South African photographer Gideon Mendel since 2007. The photos depict flood victims posing in flooded homes and neighborhoods in countries as varied as Thailand, India, Nigeria and the U.K.
The photos aim to convey that beyond the statistics, numbers and news reports of flooding damage are individual people struggling to cope with life after devastating floods.
The Drowning World photographs are now being shown in Toronto as part of the month-long, city-wide Contact Photography Festival. Mendel's work was selected to be featured in 'Contacting Toronto,' an underground installation curated by outdoor advertising company Pattison Onestop.
Humanizing Flood Victim Photos
The 'Drowning World' Photos Depict Flood Victims Around the World
Trend Themes
1. Humanizing Flood Victim Photos - Opportunity for photographers to capture and share compelling stories of individuals affected by floods, eliciting empathy and raising awareness.
2. Raising Awareness of Global Warming - Opportunity for climate change advocacy organizations and environmentalists to use powerful visuals to educate the public about the detrimental effects of global warming.
3. Utilizing Photography for Social Commentary - Opportunity for artists and photographers to use their craft as a means of sparking conversations and highlighting important social issues.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Opportunity for photographers to create impactful images that raise awareness and elicit emotional responses.
2. Climate Change Advocacy - Opportunity for organizations to leverage powerful visuals to educate the public about the importance of addressing global warming.
3. Art and Creative Expression - Opportunity for artists and creatives to use their work to shed light on social issues and drive meaningful dialogue.