THE photography exhibition named ‘Protest’ by Vehbi Koca will be open to visitors at Gorki House between March 28 and May 24.
Photographer Vehbi Koca shared a statement about the exhibition saying “Protest isn’t a gift from the State – it’s our fundamental right. It is meant to be disruptive –about getting your voice heard. Public protests are manifestations of dissent and an expression of the urgent need to change policy. By driving media coverage, catalyzing parliamentarian action, and shifting public opinion, nonviolent protests have been a force behind positive social change. In other words, a protest is an event or action where people gather with others to publicly express their opinions about something that is happening in society. There are a variety of potential goals for a protest: influence public opinion, draw attention to and share information about a perceived injustice, gain a wide audience for the cause, push public policy or legislation forward, learn more about an issue, connect with others who feel passionate about the issue, speak one’s truth and bear witness. Protests can also provide inspiration and a sense of being part of a larger movement. The overarching purpose of protests is to demand change.
Images: Vehbi Koca
“Struggling against the powerful is a tradition that stretches back generations. Change is often presented as a gift granted by the powerful, but it has much to do with the struggle and sacrifice of those from below. As a documentary photographer, I believe susceptibility can only be augmentable through common voice in other words rights of protests.
Images in this exhibition were selected from my own archive as an ongoing project.”
The event is taking place at Batley Place, 70 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7PA for more information you can email vkoca60@gmail.com.
