Acclaimed photographer Abbas has roamed the world for 45 years, documenting major political and social events, and sharing it through world magazines and newspapers. As the very first retrospective of Abbas, who has been a member of the prestigious photo agency Magnum since 1981, the National Museum of Singapore is extremely proud to present Abbas, 45 Years in Photography showcasing over 130 visually striking black and white photographs, and four audio-visual clips. Not only does Abbas’ work capture a moment in time, it also scrutinizes the emotions and commotions of people of wars, conflicts, faith and disillusionment. The retrospective comprises nine sections that feature Abbas’ travels around the globe.

Early Work: Primarily features his early works on wars during the 1960s and 1970s, in countries such as Bangladesh, South Africa and Vietnam

A Revolution: The event that steered Iran towards an Islamic nation, with his works from the 1970s to the 1980s, and from late 1997 to the 2000s

A Fotonovella: Abbas’ self-voluntary exile is presented in the style of a novel that stems from nine trips to Mexico from 1983-1986

In Whose Name: Abbas travelled to 29 countries with Muslim societies, focusing on the resurgence of Islam

A Millennium: Abbas explores Christianity as a ritual, spiritual and political phenomenon

Soul Hunt: With a focus on Animism, Abbas photographed the shamans of Siberia, voodoos in Haiti and Cuba, the Dogons of Mali and the Shinto cult in Japan

The Children of the Lotus: His most recent published work inspired by Buddhism

Homo Sapiens: Sports, fashion and other well-known personalities, including a photo of boxer Muhammad Ali, at the 1974 World Heavyweight Championship, take centre stage

Granddad: Abbas allows us into his personal life by sharing photographs of his grandchildren

Abbas, 45 Years in Photography will be held at the Exhibition Gallery 2 and runs from 18 June – 18 September
Tickets are $5
The National Museum of Singapore is located at 93 Stamford Road