Chittagong Blues and the Shipbreakers
The maritime industry is cordially invited to attend the opening of the exhibition “Chittagong Blues & The Shipbreakers” on Wednesday 29th May. The exhibition features – for the first time in Belgium – the artistic creations of German sculptress Nele Ströbel, who travelled to one of the world’s biggest graveyards of ships in Chittagong, on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. She captured her impressions in sculptures made of terracotta and various metal pieces that she found in the shipbreaking yards. Her experiences on the ground also inspired her to make ink drawings and a video, which are exhibited with the sculptures. The artist will be present at the opening event.
Next to Nele Ströbel’s artwork, the exhibition presents striking pictures taken by French photographer Pierre Torset, who travelled to Chittagong as well and spent several days with the shipbreaking workers to record the dangerous conditions they are exposed to every day while dismantling the ship wrecks. His photos tell their story – and their plight.
The event seeks to raise awareness on corporate responsibility for clean and safe ship recycling.