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World Press Photo Gallery

by 2007 prizewinners

As a sponsor of the World Press Photo 07 exhibition in Toronto, The Walrus is pleased to present a critical analysis of a selection of the images.

Photographer: Nicolas Righetti, Switzerland, Rezo

Description: The authoritarian president of oil-rich Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, died of a heart attack in December, aged 66. Niyazov had created a strong cult of personality during his two decades in power, styling himself Turkmenbashi, Father of the Turkmen. Even months and days of the week were renamed after himself and his family. Niyazov wrote a spiritual guide, Ruhnama, which became the nation's required reading. He tolerated no opposition, and forbade free media.

Comment by Natalie Matutschovsky, photo editor:

Nyazov smiles in this portrait, like a movie star in the poster for a new feature film. He has a full head of jet-black hair and he is crowned by the gilded dome of a government building. The vigorous leader links himself with the financial and political strength of royalty and the popular adoration of stardom using the language of popular culture and advertising. The poster is selling optimism and patriotism in the same way toothpaste sells cleaner teeth.

I wonder, when looking at this photograph, what is the relationship between President Nyazov and his people. The bond must be intimate if his presence is welcomed as they carry out private tasks... Nicolas Righetti has managed to capture how propaganda, an ideology that appears to be enforced; can find their way into homes, and hearts.

This is not just a portrait of a president but a portrait of the relationship between a citizen and his ruler. The question remains: Does the poster sit here due to genuine love for the man or rather because being a loyal subject is the safest course in a dictatorship?

--Natalie Matutschovsky is the photo editor of Culture & Travel magazine in New York. She has also worked as a picture editor at Modern Painters magazine and headed photography at (our own) The Walrus. www.cultureandtravel.com

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