PHOTO:FotoFest 2016 Biennial Houston
FotoFest is an international non-profit photographic arts and education organization based in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1983, the organization was established to promote international awareness of museum-quality photo-based art from around the world. The first FotoFest Biennial was held in 1986. It is the first and longest running photographic arts festival in the U.S.A.
By Dimitris Lempesis
Photo: FotoFest 2016 Biennial Archive
No other species in the history of the planet has affected global change with such dramatic speed and breadth than our own. Since the dawn of the Industrial Age, the speed of change has increased at break-neck pace, growing exponentially over the past one hundred years. As the global population of human beings has tripled over the last century, its demands have put unprecedented pressure on the resources necessary to sustain human life on the planet. Human society has shaped the environment to its own needs without a clear understanding of its impact on the earth. The focus for the 2016 FotoFest’s 16th International Biennial of Photography & Mixed Media Art, is humanity’s relationship with the changing planet. “CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES: Looking at the Future of the Planet”, the Biennial theme, is explored in a series of exhibitions, videos, films, books and educational programs with over 30 International artists, scientists, and environmental experts. Over 100 independent museums, art galleries, non-profit art centers and corporate spaces participate in the FotoFest 2016 Biennial by presenting photography and photography events during the festival’s six weeks. “Discoveries of the Meeting Place”, is an exhibition of works by 10 artists selected by multiple curators from the FotoFest 2014 Meeting Place Portfolio Review for artists. One of the central exhibitions of the Biennial is a survey of Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky and his 30 years of work on land, mining, energy, water, and the impacts of industrialization across the globe. Also a large presentation of three prominent photographers of National Geographic: David Doubilet, David Liittschwager, and Joel Sartore. The International Fine Print Auction, features over 50 artworks, including works from the North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The exhibitions are accompanied by six weeks of associated programing, including forums and dialogues on the relationship of human society and the environment. The programs include artist talks and video presentations, film programs, concerts, artist-curator exhibition tours, and a special school curriculum developed in relation to the Biennial theme.
Info: Curators: Wendy Watriss, Steven Evans & Frederick Baldwin, FotoFest 2016 Biennial, Houston, Duration: 12/3-24/4/16, http://2016biennial.fotofest.org
