Doctors Without Borders Photo Exhibit Highlights Conflict and Health Needs in CAR

“Uncertain Tomorrow” Features Photos by Prize-winning Photographer William Daniels

NEW YORK, APRIL 6, 2016 – The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) will present “Central African Republic: Uncertain Tomorrow,” a two-part photo exhibition in Brooklyn, New York that will run through April. The exhibit, which features photos taken by prize-winning photographer William Daniels in Central African Republic (CAR), presents an intimate portrait of a nation that has often been overlooked, even as it has teetered on the brink of collapse.­­

Since 2013, internecine warfare has spread throughout Central African Republic, killing thousands, displacing more than a quarter of the population, and making it difficult for people to access critical medical care. While violence has lessened recently, the country remains on edge, with its future uncertain.

“Like many people, I didn’t know much about the conflict in Central African Republic before working there,” said Daniels, who has visited CAR 10 times over the last three years and whose work has appeared in major international publications, such as National Geographic and Time. “Through these photos I’m able to bring attention to the day-to-day lives of those living in a country plagued by corruption, danger and neglect.”

The photo exhibit opens April 8 and will run through April 30, Wednesdays through Sundays from 12-7 PM at two locations in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn: The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge at Adams and Water Streets, and at 60 Water Street.

MSF has been working in Central African Republic since 1997. Over the years, MSF has become the country’s de-facto primary health care provider. When violence broke out most recently, the organization expanded its programs in response to the massive needs. MSF’s programs in CAR are now among its largest in terms of staffing, expenses and patients treated.

"This exhibit provides a glimpse into the violence and uncertainty our patients and staff face in this often forgotten country," said Michael Goldfarb, MSF-USA communications director. "For years, families have been torn apart by war in a country that many people know little or nothing about. These photos offer an opportunity to bring these stories and experiences closer to home, and raise much-needed attention to one of the world’s most neglected conflict areas.” 

The photo exhibit—staged with the assistance of United Photo Industries—is presented with help from NYC Department of Transportation’s Artervention Program, DUMBO Improvement District (BID) and Two Trees Management.

William Daniels’s work has won numerous international awards, including two World Press Awards, the Visa d’Or Humanitarian Award at Perpignan’s International Festival of Photojournalism, the Tim Hetherington Grant and the Getty Grant. Before working in CAR, he extensively covered the fragile democracy movement in Kyrgyzstan, the fall of the Gaddafi regime in Libya, and the world’s ongoing battle with malaria.

LIVE WEBCAST, APRIL 6 AT 8 PM

In conjunction with the exhibit, MSF will host a live webcast tonight (April 6) at 8:00 PM ET to discuss the realities of life on the ground in CAR. The panel will feature Daniels, award-winning novelist Dinaw Mengestu, and experienced MSF field worker Katie Rose. REGISTER HERE TO WATCH