Fotografiska: Where Art Meets Photography
Fotografiska is an international contemporary photography center that is not limited to the traditional museum concept. They started in Stockholm, and besides being an art gallery, they merge art with a social element that makes it much more than just a gallery. Their spaces are intended for presenting the best international visual artists as well as creating the atmosphere of openness to learn, develop, and be inspired. Through the exhibits displayed, Fotografiska plays the role of an intermediary between art and society by creating exhibits that are thought-provoking.
Fotografiska currently has branches in Stockholm, New York and Tallinn and is famous for hosting a variety of themes that depict the issues of the current society. From social issues and environmental problems to individual and cultural issues, each exhibit gives the visitors a preview of today’s issues. They are different from conventional museums since they are more open and allow the visitors not only observe the art but also interact with it on a different level.
A Vision Beyond Photography
It is not just a place for displaying photographs; they are also very much involved in educating and nurturing people into photography and art lovers Each of the Fotografiska venues has a program of workshops, lectures and even performances that can help the visitors to interact with the photographs and the ideas behind them. They are a combination of art, culture, and hospitality that serve delicious meals that are in harmony with the theme of the exhibitions to give the visitors a chance to enjoy the creative world.
Fotografiska is a movement in the art world, it breaks the norm of the traditional museum experience to create spaces that are active and alive. Their model highlights the role of photography in sharing the stories and making the visitors change the lenses through which they view the world. Through creativity, education and community, Fotografiska has become an icon in altering people’s perception on how art is made and experienced today.
This Month’s Events at Fotografiska
Fotografiska events are the real representation of their commitment to the local context and the contemporary landscape of photography. Both events make the exhibitions of their artists come alive through the use of other forms of display such as the interactive and the immersive. The events range from enchanting live music concerts to theatrical performances and even intellectual discourse, and the purpose is to get the community involved in artistic and meaningful ways. Such interactions provide the basis for discourses at the local and global levels concerning the role of visual art.
The programming that has been put up for this month is a call to the community to come together, to share and to revel in the beauty of photography. In intimate dining arrangements that reflect the themes of current exhibitions and in panel discussions which discuss the process of creating the images, Fotografiska creates a space where people can come together to enhance their understanding of art, be it through performance or discourse.
$10 Second Sundays: Reduced Admission All Day Long
Fotografiska is open to the public every Second Sunday of the month where people can enjoy a view of the best photographs for only $10. This special admission is valid throughout the day and is the best way to spend a cultural day at Fotografiska New York. It’s a great chance to plunge into the world of impressive exhibitions with no spending money for it, whether you are a lone visitor or inviting friends to discover the rich variety of contemporary photography.
The visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee from their café and it will be very relaxing to end the weekend in this way. It is also recommended to take time in order to navigate through the exhibitions and find out how the photographs were created. It is also important to note that visitors are allowed to re-enter the museum the same day as long as the museum’s capacity has not reached its limit, thus visitors should try to maximize this rare opportunity.
Photography with Gus Powell: Fishing, Following & Falling with Renowned Street Photographer
This two-day workshop is an intensive study of street photography with the guidance of the talented Gus Powell. The workshop is devoted to the specificities of the genre, and its major aspects include physical interaction with the environment, purposefulness, and fun of photographing on the streets. From the morning, participants will be working in presentations and discussions that explore the philosophy and the methods used in Powell’s creations.
During the course of the workshop, participants will go out into the city to capture photographs in a practical manner, in other words, learn how to make photographs instead of taking them. Day one will include topics like visual language and poetic narration, and day two will include topics like image progression, narration, and the basics of book construction. At the end of the workshop participants will be able to create their own body of work that represents the concept of street photography.
Book Talk: Claudio Edinger – The Chelsea Hotel
This enlightening book talk will be with Claudio Edinger, the photographer who shot Chelsea Hotel, in conversation with Fred Ritchin, the writer. Originally released in 1983, Chelsea Hotel received a lot of attention and Edinger’s black and white photographs gave the air of the artistic spirit of this famous New York building. Some of the other residents of New York who have contributed to the book include William Burroughs and Arthur C. Clarke while the book is introduced by Pete Hamill.
This reissued edition offers even more – new photographs from Edinger’s collection as well as Alexandra Auder and Fred Ritchin’s commentary. Another feature that can be considered distinctive for Edinger’s portraits is the fact that all the shots are captured indoors, specifically, in the residents’ homes. These photographs are not only showing the character of the people but also the subculture and the bohemian life in the hotel.
Photography enthusiast since 1975, Claudio Edinger is the author of 22 books and winner of many awards such as the Leica Medal of Excellence, Hasselblad Award and the Ernst Haas Award. His work has been exhibited in USA, Brazil and Europe as well as in Asia. Fred Ritchin is a renowned personality in the field of photography and is currently the Dean Emeritus of the International Center of Photography and is also a writer who has written a number of articles on visual media and its implications on society. Combined, they will provide a deep and rich understanding of the famous Chelsea Hotel and the world that is immortalized in Edinger’s photographs.
A Cultural Destination Like No Other
Fotografiska New York is a creative landmark where people can find the best photography, cultural programs, and engaging experiences all in one place. Whether you are fascinated with the new installations, participating in the inspiring workshops or simply visiting the Fotografiska for the special occasions such as $10 Second Sundays, the museum is an open space where art and culture exist. It remains a centre of excellence for dialogue, support of local artists, and provision of relevant and engaging art experiences, thus a must-go place for art enthusiasts and tourists.
Do not let the opportunity to visit the exhibitions and events in Fotografiska New York pass you by. Check their visiting hours, use the opportunity to visit them on the Second Sunday for $10 and explore the ever-evolving world of contemporary photography. To find out more about the events, workshops and exhibitions please go to the official website of the Fotografiska and join the culture of photography enthusiasts!