Exhibition Talk: Photographs and stories of the aftermath of ISIS with Claire Thomas
This event was organised as part of the Genocidal Captivity exhibition events series.
** Please note this recording has been edited to preserve the identities of some of the people who Claire Thomas photographed. Some of the images featured are distressing. Viewer discretion is advised **
Almost a decade since the so-called Islamic State committed genocide against the Yezidi population of Iraq, thousands of displaced Yezidis remain in crowded camps dotted across the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. With little to no hope of returning to their destroyed homeland of Sinjar, those in the camps face increasingly limited access to resources, education, and healthcare, while their struggle continues to obtain justice and accountability for the crimes committed against them.
Since December 2016, photojournalist Claire Thomas has been covering stories related to the devastation ISIS wrought in northern Iraq, the human cost of the conflict to defeat the terror group, and the genocide and mass displacement of the Yezidi population. Her work also explores the challenges Yezidis face in returning to Sinjar, from the physical destruction of their homes and communities to the perceived threat from ISIS-affiliated families living in Sinjar.
In this talk, Claire will share a selection of her most impactful images from Iraq and discuss some of the stories of the women, men, and children she’s met and photographed since 2016. She will highlight the challenges of documenting survivors’ stories and covering sensitive issues with the understanding and empathy needed to preserve the dignity of those sharing such harrowing experiences.
About the Speaker
Claire Thomas is an acclaimed photojournalist and fine art photographer from Wales, currently based between the UK and Egypt. Her focus on photojournalism spans critical subjects such as political and military conflicts, human rights, and humanitarian and environmental crises. From refugee camps in Europe to the frontlines against ISIS in Iraq, Claire has contributed impactful photo essays to leading global newspapers, magazines, and news agencies.
Her work earned recognition at the 2023 Amnesty International UK Media Awards for its profound impact, specifically for coverage in northeast Syria. Claire’s photography has garnered accolades, including UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards, Press Gazette British Journalism Awards for Photojournalist of the Year, and inclusion in Women Photograph’s 2019 Year in Pictures. Claire has also served as a judge for various international photography competitions.