In June 2025, Laurin Strele presented his solo exhibition Worlds Apart in Shanghai, bringing together several years of photographic work made across continents and conflict-affected regions.
The exhibition unfolded in four chapters: Fleeting Childhoods, Ritual and Rhythm, Portraits of Presence and Together, Still. Photographs from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Mongolia and Lebanon formed a study of vulnerability, resilience and shared humanity.
Alongside the exhibition, Strele gave public talks in Suzhou and Shanghai and a guest lecture at United World College. These conversations addressed the stories behind the images and the ethical questions involved in photographing human lives across borders.
The sustained engagement of the Shanghai audience, through questions, conversations and time spent with individual prints, became a significant part of the project’s presentation.
With thanks to the team at La Cava and to U&ME, Strele’s agency in China, for their support and trust.
