More than 120 artists will participate in the ‘PHOTO 2020 International Festival of Photography’ that promises to be an engaging biennale centred on ideas critical to contemporary photographic discourse.
With the advent of the web and then the boom of social media and recording devices, the way we consume, share and understand information has changed phenomenally. Reading habits have shifted and self-publishing emerged – so it’s accurate to say a picture tells a thousand words – and with that comes great responsibility. As such the festival presents us with a challenging theme – Truth.
Atong Atem, Sahara, 2020, digital photographic print, 291.5 x 248cm. Courtesy the artist and MARS Gallery, Melbourne
As Elias Redstone, Artistic Director, says ‘Exploring the power of truth in photography is more important than ever in our current social, political and cultural climate.’ Redstone affirms that the artists were carefully selected for their ability to reflect what the truth means to them. Along with significant international guests, the Australian artists exhibiting commissions are many and include Hayley Millar-Baker who will work with the State Library of Victoria archives to explore truth in history, Hoda Afshar considers the act of whistleblowing, Brook Andrew creates new work for the City of Stonnington and Atong Atem presents her photography at the Immigration Museum, Melbourne.
Rescheduled for 10 to 27 September, ‘PHOTO 2020’ will include various workshops, talks and opportunities to hone your skills. Intriguing shows aplenty, we suggest ‘The Image Looks Back’, RMIT Gallery and Justine Varga’s solo presentation at Tolarno Galleries. There will be many specially curated exhibitions to enjoy across Melbourne and Victoria at the NGV Australia, Monash Gallery of Art, Centre for Contemporary Photography and Koorie Heritage Trust.
