Joel Sartore’s Major Exhibition Showcases the Beauty and Diversity of the Animal Kingdom
A picture is worth a thousand words, and this makes photography a powerful tool in various significant cases, from recording historical moments to raising awareness through conservation efforts. National Geographic has officially launched a major photo exhibition, “National Geographic Photo Ark: A Mission to Protect Wildlife Through Photography,” at the Living Hall on the 3rd floor of Siam Paragon.
Visiting Thailand for the first time, the Photo Ark exhibition showcases stunning photographs from around the globe, including many species native to Thailand and Southeast Asia, captured by the renowned National Geographic photographer and explorer, Joel Sartore. Curated by Creative Director Tom Potisit, a well-known contemporary Thai photographer, the exhibition educates visitors about the project, its goals, and wildlife conservation efforts, engaging audiences of all ages with informative content and interactive learning activities.
This exhibition is a collaboration between National Geographic and the U.S. Embassy to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and highlight the U.S.-Thailand partnership in these efforts.
At the opening ceremony on July 17, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in protecting endangered wildlife, the central theme of this exhibition.
“This exhibition presents the incomparable beauty of the world’s wildlife while powerfully reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect this planet. There has never been a more urgent time than now, as our world faces an unprecedented rate of wildlife extinction since the era of the dinosaurs,” said Ambassador Godec.
He also highlighted the enduring environmental collaboration between the two nations. “Environmental cooperation has always been and will continue to be a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. Our two countries are close partners in wildlife conservation as part of our shared commitment to the environment. U.S. agencies like the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the State Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) work with Thai partners to combat wildlife trafficking in Thailand and neighboring countries. We collaborate on numerous projects, from reducing air pollution to fighting climate change, all aimed at preserving natural heritage for future generations.”
Joel Sartore, the founder of the Photo Ark project, expressed gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for its support and the opportunity to document the unique biodiversity of the region. He hopes the exhibition will inspire people to reconnect with nature and take continuous conservation action.
“The Photo Ark project was created to help people look beyond themselves and pay attention to these animals. It helps them realize that even the smallest creatures, like insects, which many consider at the bottom of the food chain, play a vital role in the stability of our world. My job is to make people engage in the way I know best, as a photographer,” Sartore explained.
The National Geographic Photo Ark exhibition, “A Mission to Protect Wildlife Through Photography,” will be on display until July 29, 2024, at the Living Hall, 3rd floor, Siam Paragon. Admission is free for all visitors.
