It's Been Golden

Exposure 2010 comes to a close today and I have to say I wish it could keep going on for another month.

From the brilliant photography from Japan showcased at Triangle Gallery, the stunning new work of Bill Anderson at Banff's Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, poignant black & white portraits by Erin Wallace at Canmore's Avens Gallery to the awe inspiring presentation by Larry Towell - Canada's leading photojournalist. This is photographic art at its very best.

A special thanks goes out to the festival's sponsors: VISTEK, Calgary Arts Development and Gowlings. Also sponsor Lowepro for providing seven camera bags which were given out as prizes at select special events during the Festival.

Without the support of the sponsors, galleries, media and the broader photographic community Exposure would not be possible.

A special thank-you also goes out to the Board of Exposure 2010 with Craig Richards as the Chairman working tirelessly to make the Festival the success it is.

The Board is already working on Exposure 2011 where even more photographic art will be exhibited, viewed, discussed and enjoyed.

Photography plays a vital part of our cultural experience and Exposure is determined to be the most listened to voice in Southern Alberta promoting this wide ranging and dynamic art form.

Prize Winner - Exposure 2010

Congratulations to Holly Speer who won the $1,000 gift card from Vistek photo.

And thanks to everyone who entered the draw.

One More Special Event

Get to ACAD this afternoon to check out the Internet in Contemporary Art panel.

Moderated by Jordan Tate it happens in the Lecture Hall at 2 p.m.

Webber at the Whyte

If you haven't had an opportunity to hear George Webber speak about his work before then head to the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies tonight at 7 p.m.

Webber's career spans three decades and throughout he's been able to go the very essence of his subject matter be it the people of the Blood Reserve or men in Calgary whose struggles have led to the streets.

Webber says that his favourite place in the world is Southern Alberta and for that I'm glad.

Final Push For The Figs

There's a great exhibition of photography at West Canadian Digital Imaging located in the neighbourhood of Inglewood but it ends on Feb. 28th.

The Figs say:

As We See It offers extraordinary insight into the joy and possibilities of communities in the developing world as captured through the eyes of children and adults in Africa.

From a whimsical shot of a chameleon scurrying across the road, to the revealing portrait of a proud young widow using a sewing machine to earn an independent living, As We See It offers an insider’s view of how development can and does make a difference in communities’ lives.

The exhibitoion also gives Calgarians an opportunity to experience how simple contributions can make tangible differences in people’s lives.

As We See It was made possible through a year-long camera initiative developed by Calgary-based Fig Tree Foundation and undertaken by three of the international aid organizations the foundation supports.

Through the generous support of West Canadian Digital Imaging and Vistek, Fig Tree Foundation collected used digital cameras donated by Calgarians and distributed them to True Vision Ghana, Healthy Child Uganda and Canadian Humanitarian, in Ethiopia.
The organizations used the cameras to build creative and marketable skills within the communities they were working in, as well as to document the unique and effective development projects.

The Art of Photography and History

What a great past weekend of photography. Larry Towell's presentation on Friday evening in Canmore was an inspiration to anyone who cares about photography - or humanity. His images went from the gruelling streets of San Salvador to the front porch of his home in Ontario.

I had the opportunity to interview him the next day for Photo Life magazine and he told me that ultimately he thinks the most important aspect of his work is as a historical record. The Magnum archives recently moved from New York City to Texas and a hundred years from now people will go see Towell's photographs to understand the state of the world through his lens.

Another photographer concerned about history is Calgary-based artist/graphic designer Heather Saitz. She took part in a panel discussion on Saturday at Glenbow Museum as part of Exposure 2010.

She will be releasing a book in April about two historic Calgary apartment buildings. Those structures are now home to dozens of artists. Heather's book will help connect the past to present through photography and text.

History, photography and the art of seeing.

Last Chance

There's only more chance to meet Larry Towell while he's in Calgary.

He'll be at the downtown Vistek store at 5 p.m. to sign his book The World From My Front Porch.