National Geographic Magazine, Annenberg Space for Photography Collaborate on Major Exhibit Based on Images in April 'Water' Issue

'Water: Our Thirsty World' Opens in Los Angeles Saturday, March 27

LOS ANGELES, March 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Annenberg Space for Photography opens its doors tomorrow to a major, three-month photographic and multimedia exhibit based on the work of six photographers featured in National Geographic magazine's April issue.

Each photographer shot a specific story for the issue, which is devoted to a single topic — freshwater. In classic National Geographic style, the April issue and the exhibit shine a light on far-flung places around the world, as well as close to home — exploring water's role in all aspects of life on our planet. The Annenberg exhibit captures the photographers' unique visions and photographic styles while broadening an understanding of the issues surrounding one of the world's most essential resources. Along with more than 700 photographs, the exhibit, titled, "Water: Our Thirsty World," features original multimedia productions that create an immersive viewing experience, giving visitors a deeper connection with the magazine's storytelling and the photographers' individual perspectives.

The featured photographers are Jonas Bendiksen, with a story on Himalaya glacial melt; Edward Burtynsky, capturing California's water infrastructure; Lynn Johnson, documenting the burden of thirst on women and children in Africa; Paolo Pellegrin, looking at water rights in the Middle East; Joel Sartore, with a story on freshwater species; and John Stanmeyer, with a moving portfolio of our spiritual connection with water.

"I can think of no better partner to help us celebrate and share the power of photography than the Annenberg Space for Photography," said Chris Johns, National Geographic magazine editor in chief. "This collaboration connects National Geographic magazine and the Annenberg Space for Photography through our mutual respect and passion for photography as well as our commitment to freshwater issues. Together, we can help to bring a deeper awareness of and appreciation for the role of water in our lives and the lives of people around the world."

Wallis Annenberg, chairman, president and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, commented, "I am especially grateful that National Geographic has teamed up with us to create this exhibit and the lectures and films that will be a part of it. We're in this for the same reason: to start a conversation about the world we share, about the water we cherish and about the ways we must secure it, for all of humankind."

The exhibit runs from March 27 through June 13 at the Annenberg Space for Photography, which is operated by the Annenberg Foundation, one of the largest private family foundations in the United States. The space is located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067. More information can be found at www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org.

National Geographic's April Water issue is on newsstands beginning March 30. A free download of an interactive edition is available on the Society's Web site at www.nationalgeographic.com/freshwater until April 2.

National Geographic magazine has a long tradition of combining on-the-ground reporting with award-winning photography to inform people about life on our planet. It has won eight National Magazine Awards in the past four years, including two inaugural Digital Media Awards in 2010 for Best Photography and Best Community. Other National Magazine Awards include for Photojournalism in 2009, General Excellence, Photojournalism and Reporting in 2008, and for General Excellence and Photography in 2007.

The magazine is the official journal of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit educational and scientific organizations. Published in English and 32 local-language editions, the magazine has a global circulation of more than 7 million. It is sent each month to National Geographic members and is available on newsstands for $5.99 a copy. Single copies can be ordered by calling (800) NGS-LINE, also the number to call for membership in the Society.

SOURCE National Geographic Society