New York Photo Festival

nik.mercer — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:55:08 -0700

The New York Photo Festival opens this evening in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn. With four top-notch curators calling the shots--Tim Barber (Tinyvices.com), Martin Parr (Magnum), Lesley A. Martin (Aperture), and Kathy Ryan (Times magazine)―it's sure to be a comprehensive survey of the current photo scene. Each curator presents their own vision in a separate exhibit; daily lectures, forums, and roundtables are on tap throughout the duration of the event (May 14th-18th).

"The idea of strict delineation between editorial/fine art and documentary projects are increasingly amorphous, and from what I've seen [and] heard from other curators, this seems to be reflected in the exhibition," Lesley Barr told us. It seems that digital aficionados as well as "traditionalists" will find something to latch on to as well. "I think the debate is less about digital as 'legitimate'―there's no escaping its impact throughout the industry―and more about where the lines are between acceptable uses of the malleability of digital photography: where, when and how much digital manipulation is appropriate." (That'd be a good question for Pascal Dangin and the minds behind the Dove "Real Women" campaign, we think.)

Check out the website for ticket info and a full schedule of events--and check back for Anthem's full wrap-up report!