"Water Stories"

Bryce Cullen
Staff Writer
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            Beginning in 2011 the Mustafah Abdulaziz, American Photographer, has been traveling the globe. In the mission to open the people of the world’s eyes, he has been around the world for his latest project called “Water”. He has traveled to nine countries for this long term project. In attempt to give more knowledge to society on the water crisis, it was this summer that the photographer focused on his home New York and its waterways and water challenges. He has photographed sights from all around the world including Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, India, and China. They will be shown in New York along the East River; it is a part of Photoville a free photography festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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            The photographer has gathered a total of 68 photos that will be presented in this event, shown in huge light boxes. This project was made possible through the collaborating with the following HSBC Water Program, HSBC, Earthwatch, WaterAid, and WWF. His exhibition will last until Oct. 12, 2016, so there is still time to go check his work out if you have the time. His very first exhibition was released Aug. 2015 in Stockholm. This project is extremely humbling, and gives great perspective on just how lucky we truly are. The pictures depict some of the struggles people face daily. “650 million people do not have access to an improved source of drinking water, while 2.3 billion people live without access to basic sanitation.” Stated the article reviewing the project “Water” it is truly stunning number. Water seems to be one of the many things we just take for granted. Although, for many others it is an everyday struggle to find it, and even if they do, it is mostly not of great quality. Some risk diarrhea and stomach problems merely from drinking it. Sadly that is there only option to stay hydrated; it also said in the future the rest of the world could be looking at having a hard time for water. The UN has warned that in the year 2030 our world is looking at a forty percent drop in water supply. This is due to the globe ever increasing population and pollution making our water undrinkable.    
            What it comes down to is that we as the human race really need to clean up our act. Or we could be facing ever more problems; this project will hopefully shed some light on how tough things can be without one simple thing. That being water, and how it is so very essential for life that most of us are taking for granted.