Picture this. A room full of beautiful  people. Some dressed elegantly in exotic and traditional outfits while others are in trademark & stylish Chanel black cocktail dresses lingering among  the most amazing photos of wildlife  in the world.

Let me first start off by saying this is one captivating photo exhibit that you are not going to want to miss. Seriously folks. Make your way to the United Nations Headquarters before July 12 to see one of the most amazing wildlife exhibits you will ever see on this side of the east coast. Filled with images from Africa and the Arctic,  two of the world’s most famous photographers have come together to bring awareness  in help protecting animals around the world.

Internationally known  celebrity, photographer  &  personal friendNigel Barker  along with acclaimed author and gifted photographer Luo Hong collaborated together with the United Nations to bring a thought provoking photographic exhibition called “Shared Destiny: Wildlife from Africa to the Arctic.”

It is an EXCELLENT photo exhibit showcasing  some of  the most beautiful and innocent animals in the world.

The Ravi Report attended the opening reception on World Environment Day a  few weeks ago along with hundreds of well wishers and fans of the photographers who waited months for the exhibit to open.

As an international  journalist & producer, I’ve been covering and   attending cultural events at the United Nations for several years and I  always have learned so much more about the world from meeting different groups of people.  In 2005  when Bollywood iconic movie legend Amitabh Bachchan was given the honor of Goodwill Ambassador, I was there front row and center watching the special moment that brought India and the UN together through Bollywood.

This exhibit was no different. It brought countries together through the lenses of Barker and Hong.  Both individuals have been admired and respected for years for their work so this exhibit was just an extention of their talents. I spoke to a few  guests who have been following the careers of Barker and Hong  and they said that they were quite familiar with their work and their passion for the preservation of wildlife.

In a full blown art gallery type of display, the  show depicts some of  most intimate moments of the beautiful  seals, penguins, polar bears, giraffes  and other wildlife that Barker and Hong captured on their expedition.  The collaborated efforts from two of the world’s most sought after photographers was much more than just an exhibit,  it was  more of  bringing together culture, international dialogue and the importance of  preservation of wildlife around the world.

“I am so happy to see that people from all over the world have come to see this” said a stunning Indian lady admiring the photos while fixing her silk sari standing next to the foreign press interviewing Hong.

Both Barker and Hong sent out a very important message with their work through the help of the United Nations – that safety, respectability and environmental protection of animals is something that we can all help in preserving making it a safer planet for these beautiful creatures to live on. That message came across loud and clear with many of the guests who also  felt the same sentiments echoed in the exhibition.

“I can’t believe anyone would want to harm these beautiful animals” said one concerned guest who was familiar with both photographers work through their careers.

Another guest who had followed Barker and his work with the seals through the Humane Society last year, said that she and others were interested in how these animals are being treated and in what way could she and her friends get involved in trying to help bring awareness to the issue of saving the wildlife.

“I have always loved animals and totally understand and appreciate what Barker and Hong are doing with their work and dedication to animals. ” she commented.

“Shared Destiny: Wildlife From Africa to the Arctic” exhibit runs through July 12, 2009. The location of the show the United Nations Headquarters Visitors Entrance on 46st and 1st Avenue. It’s free to the public.  A MUST SEE FOLKS!! Make this part of your summer things to do list.

The Journey continues…

Ravi

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