“The planet is not dying but we are; it will thrive again. As a fashion photographer what I can contribute to the planet is to invite people to enjoy its beauty through my art,” said versatile photographer Andrea Belluso during his talk “Arts for Future, Nurturing the Planet through Arts” at the 9th edition of the International Photography Festival (Xposure), which got off to a splendid start at Aljada, Sharjah on February 20.

The London-based Italian photographer, whose career spans over 30 years, was introducing the audience to his four-year old initiative Art for Nature, which aims to highlight and contribute to efforts that are actively working to heal the earth. It dedicates 70% of the funds received from the sale of Belluso’s art for environmental actions and focuses on organisations that ensure funds are spent efficiently avoiding non-essential costs.

Belluso presented a series of photographs that showcased models – including the main ballerina of the Royal Opera House, London – against the backdrop of the Calakmul rainforest in Mexico, dedicating the sale proceeds to the rainforest’s conservation. His mastery of lighting was evident in each print that illustrated mankind’s oneness with nature. “Creativity for me is going out of my comfort zone,” he pointed to a print with a jaguar in the background, adding that the conservation efforts have seen an increase in the jaguar population of Calakmul.

According to Belluso, Art for Future told a story in pictures and was divided into chapters – on blending humanity with nature, spirit of the forest and light as a medium. Explaining the power of light, he noted how “reality can change if we change our point of view”. Belluso’s innovative approach and deep understanding of light have made him a sought-after photographer for diverse projects, from automotive campaigns to food photography.

“The planet is just fine without us, so I invite more oneness with the planet and less mundane distractions,” asserted the photographer.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), Xposure will run from February 20-26, 2025. It features 100-plus galleries with over 2,500 pictures by more than 300 renowned photographers.

Learn more about the biggest platform for visual storytelling globally. Visit https://xposure.net/.