Burden of Proof

‘Burden of Proof: The Construction of Visual Evidence’ examines the way photographic images have been harnessed as evidence in instances of crimes or acts of violence suffered by individuals or groups.

The exhibition presents eleven case studies spanning the period from the invention of ‘metric’ photography of crime scenes in the 19th century, to the reconstruction of a drone attack in Pakistan in 2012 using digital and satellite technologies. These offer an analysis of the historical and geopolitical contexts in which the images appeared, as well as their purpose, production process and dissemination.

“A forensic delineation of how photography has been used as evidence of war crimes and acts of violence…present(s) a catalogue of destruction on a scale that even oral testimony cannot hope to equal…haunting” – Sean O’ Hagan, The Guardian

Curated by Diane Dufour

Co-produced by LE BAL, in Paris, The Photographers’ Gallery in London, and the Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam.

Selected Views Of The Exhibition: © The Photographers’ Gallery | Kate Elliott