World-renowned and emerging artists are preparing to exhibit at Photo North Festival this Spring.
“Photo North festival has something magical – this may sound like a cliche but it’s different to other photography festivals. There is an atmosphere of equality, informality and mutual support and of course, a great programme of exhibitions and talks.”
This spring, the photography industry spotlight will shine on the historically proud and culturally vibrant City of Leeds for the sixth edition of Photo North Festival. Exhibitions by legends of the profession will be on display alongside up and coming photographers against a backdrop of talks, networking, screenings, book signings, food & drink and more.
ARTISTS
HOW DO YOU DANCE IN A WAR ZONE? by Maria Falconer & Paul Hill
In the midst of a war that has reshaped lives, landscapes, and the very rhythm of existence, Ukrainian dancers find a way to move, to express, and to survive. “How Do You Dance in a War Zone?” is a powerful
exploration of movement amidst conflict, a collaboration between photographers Paul Hill and Maria Falconer, and dancers in Kyiv and Lviv.
THE NORTH REVISITED: by Simon Hill HonFRPS
A major new year-long project which builds on the iconic work of photojournalist John Bulmer FRPS, whose evocative images of the north of England taken in the 1960s and 70s became a cornerstone of British documentary photography.
1960s ROCK LEGENDS by Paul Berriff
With his new camera, Paul, then not even 17 years old, took photos of local people and places. He even managed to get backstage passes to local venues such as the Odeon in Leeds, where he captured behind-the-scenes shots of emerging bands, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Many years later on rediscovering his shots, he realised the photos were special, and so too did galleries and spaces across the world. They have been exhibited internationally, and now a collection of them is in Leeds for the Festival.
The Channel 4 picture team will have a presence at the festival for portfolio drop-ins , industry chat, presentations and inspiration with guests. A selection of ephemera from iconic films will be on display
including Trainspotting and Rita, Sue and Bob too.
YOUNG MEN; WORST FEARS by Jillian Edelstein
Young Men, Worst Fears was a portrait project developed by Edelstein while mentoring underprivileged youth at North London’s Arsenal Football Club.
RAGING by Sarah Oglesby and Grace Wilkinson
Raging! is a photography project that sticks two fingers up to women+ being seen and not heard. This vibrant, punchy and ironic commentary on societal expectation establishes a space where women+ can be loud, outrageous and angry about the things that affect us on a daily basis.
THE LAND IS YELLOW, THE SKY IS BLUE by Marc Wilson and Anna
Nekrasova-Wilson
The Land is Yellow, the Sky is Blue is a poignant photographic project set in the small Ukrainian village of Balakliya.
THIS WAS THEN by Mike Abrahams
A selection of photographs documenting Britain over three decades, in the years before and after Margaret Thatcher’s time in government.
STATES OF AMERICA by Michael Ormerod
Michael Ormerod was a British photographer known for his striking and unflinching portrayal of the American landscape and its people. Born in Cheshire, England, Ormerod developed an enduring fascination with the United States. His work captures a raw, often melancholic beauty in the overlooked corners of American life, balancing stark social commentary
with poetic visual storytelling.
SVALBARD PEOPLE: Exploring Life in the Arctic Circle Through Portraits
by Graeme Chesters
Winner of Amateur Photographer!s MPB sponsored “Rising Star Bursary!, Chesters captures the unique stories of Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost settlement.
INTERSECTIONS: A Portrait of London Through The People
by Barry Lewis
World Food Photography Awards: A Selection of Category Winners Sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini
Gurushots global community will host their Art of Photography photo- challenge winners.
FOUNDERS
Festival co-founder and curator, Peter Dench: “We recognise people are passionate about photography. Photo North Festival aims to introduce or advance understanding of the medium through our programme of exhibitions – to inspire and engage debate. We have one perfect venue, with headline events and renowned photographers confirmed and the list is growing. The creativity in planning the Festival
format, talks and screenings is something unique to offer people in the north of England and beyond.”
Sharon Price, co-founder & curator: “We’ve chosen thought- provoking works that provide relevant social commentary on some quite hard-hitting issues. We also have the beautiful and the poignant, that will
appeal not only to enthusiasts seeking to be challenged, but also to those seeking a feast for the senses.”
Sharon and Peter have secured the sensational line up to deliver a thought-provoking, lively and inclusive festival that will appeal to the professional photographer, photo-enthusiast, keen amateur and anyone who wishes to engage with the timeless appeal of the medium.
Once again, Photo North Festival promises to be one of the most exciting and engaging European photo events.
www.photonorthfestival.co.uk
Main image: Harry Borden.
