Some photos stop wars. In the Vietnam War, photographers took iconic pictures which helped people to understand the nature of the war. But "war photography" will never end war by itself. Through a never-ending, increasingly grotesque parade of images, war photography seeks to make people aware of the true horror of war, and shock them from their complacency. However, as Susan Sontag says in her book "Regarding the Pain of Others," instead of prompting action, war photography often incites passivity - the problems are too big, too inflexible for any action by individuals to be effective. It promotes the development of stereotypes - Africans are poor, Muslims are violent. And shock wears off - we become immune, desensitised to its effects.

PEACEworks is a group of photographers trying to create an alternative concept - "peace photography." In peace photography, we direct our attention towards the problems that lead to war. We seek to define peace through positive, not negative means. Our subjects are not victims, but collaborators. We try to develop tolerance and understanding, and challenge the stereotypes of gender and race. We work against political and religious oppression.

Peace photography helps us to revisit the way we see the world, providing food for thought and a ground for communal experience. It shows how experience-based art opens new forms for relationships and participation in the public which are key ingredients for a world of more understanding and integration. With cameras, compassion and humour, we are working toward a culture of peace.

We hope you find PeaceWorks interesting and challenging.