Legendary British photojournalist Don McCullin has captured some of the most remarkable photographic images of the 20th and 21st century. A major retrospective of McCullin's work is currently showing exclusively at the State Library of NSW, in association with Reportage 2014.
Don McCullin: The Impossible Peace, From War Photographs to Landscapes, 1958-2011, curated by Robert Pledge of Contact Press Images, showcases over 150 iconic black-and-white photographs produced by McCullin during an extraordinary career spanning five decades, from war photographs to landscapes.
The exhibition title reflects McCullin's, "deep despair over his own experiences of war, the sufferings inflicted on so many innocent by conflict, and his own inability to attain any inner peace," says Pledge.
McCullin is best known for his memorable images of the world's most dangerous conflict areas and social disasters: the building of the Berlin Wall, the war in Congo, the Vietnam War, civil war in Biafra, fighting in Northern Ireland and the war in Lebanon. However, in McCullin's most recent photography, his focus had shifted to sublime landscapes.
"You cannot look away from McCullin's photographs, they grab you by the throat and insist on a response," says Reportage director Stephen Dupont. "It is more than an exhibition of photographs, it is a brutal and enlightening window into humanity and inhumanity across time."
In recent years, in addition to his landscape work in Britain and India, McCullin has focused primarily on the African continent, documenting the AIDS crisis in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including his acclaimed autobiography, Unreasonable Behaviour (1990).
"The Impossible Peace is the third international photographic exhibition the State Library of NSW has secured for Australian audiences in just two years, and offers a rare opportunity to view some of the most renowned images of our recent history by a master photojournalist," says Alex Byrne, NSW State Librarian & Chief Executive.
Don McCullin: The Impossible Peace From War Photographs to Landscapes, 1958-2011 is showing at the State Library of NSW until 26 October, 2014.
A war photography panel discussion with photojournalists Stephen Dupont and Tim Page will take place on Thursday 9 October, 6-7.30pm. For bookings: bookings@sl.nsw.gov.au
More info: www.sl.nsw.gov.au
West Berliner looking over a portion of the Berlin Wall at the time of it's construction. East German soldier looks back, West Berlin, Germany, August 1961. Photo by Don McCullin. 
Early shift, West Hartlepool steel works, County Durham, Great Britain, 1963. Photo by Don McCullin. 
Early morning at the Kumbh Mela, Allahabad, India, 1989. Photo by Don McCullin. 
Karo tribe, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, 2003-2004. Photo by Don McCullin. 
Homeless Irishman, East End, London, Great Britain, 1969. Photo by Don McCullin. 
Shell-shocked US soldier awaiting transportation away from the frontline, Têt Offensive, Hué,
South Vietnam, 1968. Photo by Don McCullin.