Meeting with Muhammed Muheisen
Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Muhammed Muheisen will take us on a moving journey through over fifteen years of documenting global events. Guided by the belief that “if something happened and was never documented, it never occurred,” Muheisen dedicated his life to seeking out untold stories and unheard voices—realities often hidden from the spotlight.
Hear her awe-inspiring accounts of some of the most compelling wildlife and environmental stories of our time, where individuals are making a profound impact on the future of their communities and the planet. Her talk will remind us how fragile and interconnected our world is, and she delivers an extraordinary message about the deep, soul-saving importance of staying connected to the wild.
In this talk, Muheisen will share the deeply personal connection he has with the people he photographs. Their stories are interwoven with his own, each image a reflection of mutual humanity. With powerful storytelling and a deep sense of purpose, he will reveal how photography can be a tool for change—big or small—and a starting point for awareness, empathy, and action.
Take advantage of this event to plan a weekend in Siena and fully experience the exhibitions and events of the Siena Awards Festival.
Info
Location: Teatro dei Rinnovati |
Piazza del Campo, 1 – Siena
Date: 26 september 2025
Time: 4:40 pm
Photographer Biography: Muhammed Muheisen, a Jordanian national, born in Jerusalem in 1981, is an internationally renowned, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer widely recognised for his exceptional work as a National Geographic photojournalist and Explorer. His fascination with photography began early in life, ultimately guiding him to earn a B.A. in journalism and political science. Since 2001, Muheisen has documented pivotal global events across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the United States, often focusing on areas affected by conflict, displacement, and human suffering. Over the past 20 years, he has devoted much of his work to chronicling the refugee crisis, providing a robust and compassionate lens into the lives of those displaced by war and poverty. In 2015, he established the Dutch non-profit organisation Everyday Refugees Foundation, based in Amsterdam, which aims to document, educate, help, and empower refugees, displaced communities, and people affected by conflict, poverty, discrimination, and natural disasters.
Through his lens, Muheisen brings the human stories behind these crises to the forefront, emphasising the hardships, resilience, and strength of those he photographs. His impactful storytelling has made him one of the most influential photojournalists of our time, blending artistry with profound social awareness. Muheisen’s deep commitment to sharing untold stories and addressing essential issues is evident in his involvement in numerous exhibitions and projects. He led several Young People Programmes, mentoring young aspiring photographers, including refugees, and empowering them to express themselves through visual storytelling. His work, rooted in empathy and understanding, offers a raw and authentic view of the human experience, emphasising the importance of compassion and solidarity. Through his foundation and extensive work, Muheisen has become a leading voice in advocating for the voiceless. His efforts continue to inspire change and foster a greater understanding of the complexities surrounding human experiences. Muheisen continues to make an indelible mark on the world of photography, using his platform to amplify voices that deserve to be heard and stories that need to be told.
