On the concluding day of the 7th annual edition of the International Photography Festival ‘Xposure’ which drew to a close today (February 15), celebrated photographer César Balcázar delved into his body of work and the ways in which photography can be employed as a tool for documenting stories of resilience.

At an insightful talk, named after the title of his first-ever photography exhibition “Resistance Country”, which was part of the 68 solo and group displays at Xposure 2023, Balcázar highlighted the power of photography as an important storytelling tool, which narrates vividly through its ability to visually capture unique moments in time to be shared with the world.

“Photography has emerged as a potent vehicle for narrating tales of resilience. With their craft, photographers can encapsulate and chronicle the human experience in a manner that is simultaneously intimate and universal”, he told the audience.

By disseminating these stories, “they contribute to the creation of a more empathetic and benevolent world, one snapshot at a time”.

“These stories serve as a source of inspiration and hope for others who may be facing their own struggles”, César added.

He then delved into his personal approach to using art as a means of narrating the stories of individuals and communities grappling with extraordinary challenges and adversity and his opinions of artistic appreciation.

“I believe art cannot be explained. All that is needed is a context. In (Resistance Country), the context is the resistance of Colombia’s Cali people to police brutality and inhumane conditions they live in through music”.

As Balcázar observed, one of the ways in which photographers are accomplishing this is by crafting works that showcase the fortitude and resilience of their subjects.

Such collections, argued the photographer, are frequently paired with personal narratives that detail the challenges and victories of the individuals featured.

“This form of storytelling offers the viewer an opportunity to bear witness to resilience in action, fostering a more profound comprehension of the difficulties that have been conquered”, he concluded.