As everyday life becomes increasingly digitally mediated—be it the screen in our pocket, at our desk, or in public spaces—staying connected to core and site-specific conversations is becoming increasingly important. The trend for so long seems to be to make everything and anything virtual, with culture, art and photography being swept by the wayside.
New forms of digital technology have changed the general perception of what photography is and is not—from something that artists and industry professionals do to something that everyone does every day. In the not-so-distant past, images created for journalistic purposes and the daily news cycle were presented to the public as records of events. Although it was not without bias, the fact of their creation at a time and place where the caption shown was taken for granted and was rarely challenged, thus allowing the public discourse to be shaped by what the images claimed to show and the narrative narrative that was created there. Now, with the advent of generative AI and how easily images can be manipulated to reflect any belief or agenda, the power of photography to organize or inspire discourse has begun to erode.
Challenging the emergence of a new paradigm, a new normal (or is it normal skepticism?) surrounding the effectiveness of photography is more important than ever. Doing this socially, or as part of a community, makes me much more successful than making an effort virtually, as one voice in the infinite space of internet discourse. At FotoFocus, the opening of the FotoFocus Center, our new purpose-built facility, allows us to bring people together under one roof to discuss photography and its impact on the world we live in. Building on our years of experience organizing panels, exhibitions, and organizing events that bring together many experts and intellectuals from around the world of photography, we are now better suited than ever to engage with the changing conditions of our time and to confirm the importance of seeing art first hand and doing so with the local community with its roots and international spirit.
We understand that the true value of art often lies in its ability to bring people together in productive conversation, something that seems as urgent as it has become considering the increasing atomization of social life. In 2019, FotoFocus hosted its annual series under the theme Auto Innovation, addressing the impact of technology on photography. Beginning with Fred Ritchin reflecting on the continuing significance of his 1990 publication, In Our Image: The Coming Revolution in Photographya series of lectures revealed the new possibilities—both beautiful and terrifying—that technology could bring to photography. The lectures were reinforced by a stimulating and sobering keynote speech by Trevor Paglen, who, due to the nature of his work, did not allow the lecture to be written down, thus sharing the ideas contained in that room and that audience.
In partnership with CreativeTime 2023, FotoFocus is hosting “The Convening,” a series of lectures that focus on histories and memories as important interpretations of place and home that strengthen the shared community that came together. Nothing recorded-although we tried-can talk about the experience of sound from Guillermo Galindo, who used “sonic cyber totemic healing materials” -found things left by immigrants on the border of the United States/Mexico-to create a sonic bath. And it is through visiting places and unique encounters that creative thoughts and collaborations flourish. When FotoFocus invited southwestern artist and muralist Chip Thomas (aka jetsonorama) to present a solo exhibition during the 2024 Biennial, Thomas was struck by the rich history of murals in Cincinnati. The resulting mural commissioned by Thomas in conjunction with the exhibition honored a local West End artist: a project that would not have been possible without Thomas’ visit to the region to experience the depth of Cincinnati’s art culture where his work resonated.
Looking ahead to this fall, with the eighth iteration of the Biennial launching in October, our investment in the physical environment will redefine our engagement with the region during this great event. At FotoFocus Center, we can localize the Biennial while growing a network of partner locations throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. The largest in North America, this distinction is achieved through the Biennial’s unique structure not of local, site-specific commissions, but as a regional invitation to organizations that bring photography and lens-based art from around the world. Such a method of discussion opens up our programs to the wider community of which we are a part and strive to engage with each year.
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