The Father Michael E. Komechak, O.S.B., Art Gallery will present an inaugural exhibition of photographs by humanitarian photographer Karl Grobl from January 16 – February 28. Grobl, a native of Naperville and an alumnus from Benedictine University, has built an international reputation working with NGOs all over the world, going into war-ravaged places and documenting little-known events.
“Karl Grobl: In Your Eyes” brings a first-hand documentation of the numerous humanitarian efforts of NGOs around the world as seen through the eyes of the recipients of these endeavors.
Grobl’s images have appeared in publications such as Newsweek, CNN, Geo and Town and Country magazine. He has covered post conflict peacebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and East Timor, HIV/Aids issues in Africa and Asia as well as human trafficking in Cambodia and the Philippines. His 2005 Haiti photo-story “City of God” was nominated for a World Press Photo Award.
In addition to his international travel, he teaches photography workshops and leads international photography tours. He is a member of the National Press Photographers Association. He’s also a member of the Advisory Counsel of Focus For Humanity, a nonprofit organization that provides financial support, resources and training for professional and amateur photographers wishing to work with NGOs.
He now lives in Cambodia, but is in the Chicago area for the unveiling of the first ever exhibition of his ground-breaking and award-winning work.
A free public discussion panel and art gallery reception is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17. The panel discussion will take place from 1:00-2:30 p.m. where Grobl will discuss the various aspects of his work and specific projects that are represented in the exhibit. The art reception will follow the panel discussion from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Both events will take place on the fifth floor of the Kindlon Hall.
Grobl graduated from Benedictine University, then Illinois Benedictine College (IBC), in 1983 with a degree in Physical Education.
“The wide variety of skills and experiences gained while attending IBC helped open my eyes to countless possibilities and provided me with the confidence needed to explore, experiment and ultimately choose a career which I am deeply passionate about,” Grobl said.
For more information about Grobl’s work, visit his website at www.karlgrobl.com/, and visit the art gallery website at www.ben.edu/artgallery.