Planet Football about to kick off
They say football speaks a universal language. Whatever your culture, your religion, your social standing or political views, the game transcends barriers and unites the globe.
From mosque courtyards to middle-class English gardens, stadiums and refugee camps, Planet Football is a photographic exhibition that celebrates the world of football -- great moments on and off the soccer field and the magic of the game that stirs passions and knows no cultural or national boundaries.
From 10 June to 16 July, Planet Football is on show at the Christchurch Art Gallery, its only New Zealand exhibition. The exhibition is timed to coincide with the World Cup tournament in Germany.
The 50 images show football as a social phenomenon bringing people together. In essence, it is the same scene in many styles, places and eras -- a round ball, an open area and a group of players with a passion for the game.
The exhibition has been put together by Germany's Goethe-Institut in conjunction with agency Magnum Photos.
"Planet Football shows how deep the roots of football run, how wide they are spread and how football culture crosses every boundary of nationality, race and religion," says acting Gallery Acting Director Hubert Klaassens. "This is a fantastic exhibition. The photos depict the beauty of the game, while providing a fascinating social insight into various areas of the world over many decades."
Also on show in the gallery foyer during the exhibition will be Shoot Goals! Shoot Movies -- 44 international short films all with the theme of football -- children and their desires, fans and their dreams, the shadow politics casts over the sport, satirical clips, and moments of joy despite some appalling conditions.
The Montana Wednesday Evening programme will showcase a different football film each week, starting at 6pm: The Cup (14 June), One Day in Europe (21 June), The Other Final (28 June) and The Champions (5 July).
On Sunday, 11 June, at 2pm there will also be a soccer skills demonstration, by representatives from Christchurch soccer clubs, on the gallery forecourt or inside the foyer if it's wet.
- Planet Football at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Punao Waiwhetu, Worcester Boulevard, 10 June-16 July. Admission is free.
John Vink/Magnum Photos Mexico DF. 29/06/86.
At the 13th FIFA World Cup, in Mexico in 1986, a masterful Diego Maradona virtually won the tournament for Argentina single-handed. He scored five goals and was named Player of the Tournament. The only cloud came in the quarter-finals when he scored with his hand against England. Maradona didn't score in the final at Azteca Stadium, where this photograph was taken. Argentina beat West Germany 3-2. (Information from FIFA website)
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