On display for the month of October, 2019
On assignment in the Nineveh region of Iraq for ARCH International. Here reside some of the oldest Catholic communities in the world struggling to stay in their homeland and rebuild after entire towns were destroyed by ISIS. These photographs show the destruction in the aftermath of ISIS occupation juxtaposed with the sacred religious and heritage sites in the Christian town of Alqosh. Just outside of Alqosh is where locals and the Peshmerga successfully turned back invading forces. In the town’s center, ARCH is leading the effort to restore the shrine of Hebrew Prophet Nahum. See the portraits of the people—religious leaders, artists, tradesmen … and get a glimpse into what life is like in this ancient land.
Closing Reception and Presentation
November 1, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank Street
Harvard, MA
This event has passed. However, I was interviewed for ARCH International and you can read more about my experience, watch interviews I conducted and view photographs from the exhibit from their blog post.
Kathryn Costello is a Boston-Area Headshot and Portrait Photographer
‘I have made two trips to Northern Iraq. Here is a highlight from the blog post mentioned above “Her two visits to Iraq were specifically on a mission for ARCH. The first time, she went as part of a group, and it was her first time in the Middle East, so she was slightly overwhelmed at times, taking photos “on-the-go”, often not sure if she will return to a place or if she will meet someone again. Impressions passed her quickly and she really had a strong urge to go back with more time to explore. As a trained portrait photographer, in her work it is very important to find the right light, the best angle, and to get to know the people she photographs. “Some of my best work comes about after I make a study of one place.” Little did she know at the time that her second trip would happen rather soon after, and this time, she went on her own, and spent a whole week in the town of Alqosh. While she was there she also embarked on a trip to Batnaya, a Christian town that was completely destroyed by ISIS…”
Until my next trip to Iraq I am working out of my studio shooting portraits, headshots, personal branding for the entreprenuer and creative dancers and I work on location.’