Part of the exhibition’s impact lies in the scope of its subjects. Photographs fall into nine categories: General News, Spot News, People in the News, Contemporary Issues, Daily Life, Portraits, Arts and Entertainment, Nature and Sports reports. At points your morale may struggle with the swathes of graphic images of war and devastation. However, the exhibition also offers insight into the strength of the human spirit. Heartwarming photographs of chivalrous sportsmen, nurturing animals or strong communities can restore your faith in humanity.

This year’s offering sees over 100 thousand photographs on display from nearly six thousand photographers. You’ll see faces that you recognize from the daily news alongside anonymous others, each telling its own story. Settings are as far reaching as a post-earthquake Haiti or a gypsy fair in rural Ireland. In some cases you will need extra descriptions to put the photographs into context, in other the images will speak for themselves.

The exhibition has increased in popularity year on year. Last year it was viewed by 35 thousand visitors worldwide. This means that the space in the CCCB can get very busy. If you can, choose a weekday to see the show. And if you’re heading there at the weekend, be prepared for a leisurely experience.

Until December 18

photographicsocialvision.org