Life in the Photo Event Fast Lane
Syb with Dawn Watson (right) and JoAnn Chaus (left)
I have podcasted, portfolio reviewed and enjoyed the rapid-fire celebration of photography this Spring. Beginning with the Society of Photography Educators (SPE)’s National Conference, and followed by the Women Street Photographers Festival (WSP), the Association of International Photography Dealers (AIPAD) and the International Center of Photography (ICP)Bookfest.
Syb with Gulnara Samoilova of WSP
My pleasure is reengaging and encountering the people who make up our vibrant community. Discovering innovative artists, organizations, initiatives and photobooks is my focus. Snippets of each event are over on my IN - be on the lookout for bookflips of my latest treasures - each book and artist’s journey is worthy of a Concept Aware® podcast conversation!
Syb with Jeryl Bright (middle) and Sheila Pree Bright (right)
My third live podcast of this season hails from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. This episode amplifies an immersive community event led by lens-based artist and Leica Ambassador Sheila Pree Bright, alongside 3 women photographers from Atlanta. Bright mentored each artist to bring their distinct voices and visions to document the spirit of Atlanta from within communities rarely reflected in the global narrative - all in time for the eyes of the world to be on the FIFA World Cup. Our conversation exemplifies how to push outside one's comfort zone while innovating new perspectives. It drops the last week of May.
Are you aware of our podcast membership options? Like an audio Substack, members receive episodes and hyperlinked resources while contributions assist in production costs. Some levels come with portfolio review options - and soon some cheeky Concept Aware® swag.
A few AIPAD surprises to share:
Andy Mattern showed his hauntingly beautiful platinum print series, Ghost with The Hulett Collection.
The Thomas Erben Gallery shared the riveting work of emerging artist Olivia Reavey, including self-portraits, captured performances — challenging representation and power dynamics anew.
Gina Osterloh exhibiting with Higher Pictures, was a show-stopper — a mesmerizing installation of daring innovation and expansive conceptual development. Osterloh deftly explores the bounds of photography to question identity and visibility — it made this #conceptqueen swoon.
Gina Osterloh, showing with Higher Pictures at AIPAD
Gina Osterloh, showing with Higher Pictures at AIPAD
Gina Osterloh, showing with Higher Pictures at AIPAD
New work (to me) included: Colombian artist Johanna Calle, who paints on anonymous photographic archives with nail polish. And the plant-based images in Understory, by Leah Sosbey and Amanda Marchand, exhibited with Rick Wester Fine Art.
Johanna Calle, Arquitecturas (columna azul), 2023, signed and dated on the back, nail polish on found photograph, 3.46 x 5 in, 8.8 x 12.7 cm
Amanda MARCHAND & Leah SOBSEY, Forest Family - Maple, Dogwood, Cherry, Oak, Hickory, Beech, Gingko, Pine Smoketree, Sweetgum, 2026, Archival pigment print collage
Lastly, kudos to Getty Images Photo Archive Grants Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) funding HBCU’s archives to be available to a global audience. Thank you for making the history of photography reflect all its creators!
Hard to believe we are on the heels of summer. Please stay tuned, listen in, and become a Concept Aware® member. Each shared episode or written review grows our visual culture community conversation!
