In December 1984, Afghanistan was five years into a civil war between the Soviet Union, which sought to maintain a Marxist government, and anti-government Islamic rebels. Millions of refugees were pouring over the borders into Pakistan to escape the fighting.While touring a refugee camp on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry photographed a young girl of about 12 years old. The magazine chose a close-up of the girl as cover photo for the article in the June 1985 issue. This image of the girl with amazing eyes came to symbolize the plight, pain and strength of her people.
For me, the strength of this image is the haunted look in her eyes which despite her situation, also seem to be glaring defiantly back at the photographer. Her burka frames her face beautifully and the colours of the wall behind her and her clothing bring out her glowing eyes with enormous clarity. Perhaps down to the skill of McCurry, he seems to bring to light the soul of his subject.
Website: http://www.stevemccurry.com/main.php
Image taken from:
http://media.photobucket.com/image/steve%20mccurry%20afghan%20girl/ZillionaireL/SharbatHi.jpg
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