Well-known photographer to showcase work at Washburn, display life in Sudan

The people of Sudan One of the photgraphs from Michael Freeman’s exhibit “Sudan

Paige Lockard

Photographs from internationally-acclaimed photographer Michael Freeman will be displayed in “Sudan: The Land and the People” Saturday, Oct. 27 at Washburn University’s Mulvane Art Museum.

Freeman, who spent more than two years in Sudan, Africa, is showcasing 70 of his photographs that capture the native land’s beauty and way of life.

From the opening date until Dec. 9, the public will be invited to view Freeman’s experience in Africa. There is no admission and the exhibit is both educational and inspiring.

According to Carol Emert, curator of collections and exhibitions at Mulvane, the exhibit was purchased from the Meridian International Center, which is a traveling exhibition company based out of Washington, D.C. The exhibit arrived on Friday and will be displayed in the upstairs gallery of Mulvane.

“The museum often showcases exhibits from foreign countries,” said Emert, citing the current display from China and “Visual Encounter with Paraguay” that will be coming in November.

With the proper government connections in Africa, Freeman was able to take pictures wherever he pleased while on his journey, including Sudan.

“Sudan: The Land and the People” is a book that was produced after Freeman’s return from Africa, and all pictures displayed in Washburn’s museum are straight from the book. Many of the photographs show the people of Sudan – some are dancing, some are balancing bowls on their heads and still others are captured displaying elements of the African culture. Other photos by Freeman grasp the brilliant scenery of the country itself.