“BUSINESS is about people, not business,” according to graduate Gregory Coussa.

That’s one of many powerful messages in a new photographic exhibition at Oxford University’s Said Business School.

More than 30 scholars, including Mr Coussa, pictured – dubbed “the business leaders of tomorrow” – scrawled words on their face, arms, or hands, as part of artist Robert X Fogarty’s Dear World@Saïd show.

Slogans range from Be curious and Rule 1: Find your passion, through to Say yes: it might work and The solution is in your hands.

More than 200 portraits were taken of the class of 2013 in their final week on the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course.

A selection are displayed in the front area of the Business School this week, to mark students’ return to the city for graduation ceremonies.

Dear World is an international art project which started five years ago and takes in New Orleans and Syrian refugee camps.

Oxford Mail:

  • Dana Brown

Mr Fogarty said: “I captured these images of the Oxford MBA students as they were going out into the world to fulfil their ambitions and embark upon their careers.

“It seemed a good moment to record their hopes and aspirations for both themselves and the communities they will serve.’ Dana Brown, inset, executive director of the MBA course, said: “Capturing the thoughts of students just before they graduate is powerful, as you are seeing these young people at a time when they are most optimistic.

“The photographic session was not only an inspiring end to this particular MBA year but also I hope, will continue to inspire generations to come.’