POYi winner Balazs Gardi, who was one of the featured photographers in the 66th POYi Exhibit last year, returned to the Space to present an insightful and heartfelt lecture on marginalized communities facing water crisis.
Balazs, whose works are mostly independent, started his presentation with his images documenting conflict situations in Afghanistan. His presentation also covered communities experiencing water related crisis in Australia, Dubai and even Las Vegas.
Balazs is known for using photography as a base but layering it in way that reaches out to people. His unique presentation was a multimedia feature that included audio, still images and motion graphics.
At the end of the lecture, Balazs shared his views on modern social utilities, such as Twitter, as an independent voice and alternative to traditional media outlets. Social media is a new way for like minded people to share experiences on water related issues that won't appear in traditional media sources.
The lecture was followed by some very pointed and interesting questions from the audience, fielded by an unflappable Balazs.
Despite the gravity of the discussion, the lecture was well balanced with fear, hope and even some humor.
One question in particular focused on the frustration of solving the problem of water crisis and whether an actual solution exists.
Balazs answered very adamantly with "I think every problem has an answer to it
...I am a very optimistic person with a lot of cynicism."
(All Photos © Unique for the Space)