Openings

Kids Who Can launches in Toronto

April 4, 2012 By Marni Leave a Comment

On March 6th, 2012, Kids Who Can officially launched at Brookfield Place, in downtown Toronto. PhotoSensitive’s latest black-and-white multimedia exhibition explores Easter Seals camps, capturing the energy and enthusiasm of Canadian youth with physical and mental disabilities. Over the summer of 2011, 25 photographers and videographers were sent to 12 camps across eight provinces. The result is a compelling and thought provoking show.

With well over 150 guests, the evening began with some heart-warming speeches, including The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; Kevin Ogawa, President and CEO of Canon Canada; Brandon McAuley, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador; Maayan Ziv, PhotoSensitive photographer; and Andrew Stawicki, PhotoSensitive founder. While some of the contributing photographers perused the exhibit, many were introduced for the first time. PhotoSensitive photographers Kyle Cunjak and Scott Munn from as far as Halifax, NS were chatting about the experience of shooting for Kids Who Can with Sean White, PhotoSensitive videographer from Tofino, BC.

Concurrently, Easter Seals children mingled with the crowd and admired the photos. Many campers who were featured in the exhibit had an opportunity to enjoy their photos with family and friends.

The 32-inch touchscreen was a huge hit. Kids, parents, photographers and staff members couldn’t get enough of the short films. To view them online, please visit the gallery, http://www.eastersealskids.com/easter-seals-gallery.php

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the making of Kids Who Can. Your beautiful work and constant devotion to PhotoSensitive is deeply appreciated. To all of you who couldn’t make it to the launch – you were missed! Thanks to Chloe Ellingson, Janek Lowe, Giordanno Ciampini and Melissa Tait for their photos and video of the event.

Enjoy!

Photo by Melissa Tait

Guests peruse the exhibit. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, begins with an inspirational speech about the importance of Easter Seals camps. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Kevin Ogawa, President and CEO of Canon Canada, discusses Canon's commitment to Easter Seals. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Brandon McAuley, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador, shares with the audience what it is about camp he loves so much. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Easter Seals campers have a laugh over a joke from Brandon's speech. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Maayan Ziv, PhotoSensitive photographer, tells the audience about her experience shooting for Kids Who Can at Camp Woodeden. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Andrew Stawicki, PhotoSensitive founding photographer, talks about how the project came together so magically. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Cutting of the ribbon ceremony. From left to right: Ms. Ruth Anne Onley, The Honourable David C. Onley - Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Andrew Stawicki - Founder of PhotoSensitive, Kevin Ogawa - President and CEO Canon Canada, Brandon McAuley - Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador, Maayan Ziv - PhotoSensitive photographer. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

From left to right, back row: Andrew Stawicki, Cheol Joon Baek, Marni Wolf, Sean F. White, Ms. Ruth Anne Onley, the Lieutenant Governor's Aide de Camp, Kevin Ogawa, Kyle Cunjak, James Burns, Scott Munn. Front row: David Stobbe, The Honourable David C. Onley, Brandon McAuley, Maayan Ziv, Tanya Workman. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario enjoys some time with Easter Seals campers. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario with Maayan Ziv, PhotoSensitive photographer. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

David Stobbe, PhotoSensitive photographer, has a chat with Russell Mark from Easter Seals Ontario. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Colleen Ryan, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications and General &Environmental Affairs with Wayne Doyle, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at Canon Canada. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Proud grandmother, Anne-Marie, and her husband Robin, stand beside a photo of Noah Folz playing hockey at Camp Rotary, New Brunswick. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

PhotoSensitive photographer Kyle Cunjak and Project Coordinator Marni Wolf.

Easter Seals campers mingle. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Andrea Mackay, Coordinator, Donations & Events at Canon Canada, has a laugh with James Burns, PhotoSensitive coordinator. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Photo by Ken Faught

Filed Under: News, Openings, Projects, Videos

Kids Who Can – The Making of a PhotoSensitive Exhibition

February 2, 2012 By Marni Leave a Comment

It’s often interesting the way a PhotoSensitive project comes together.

At the end of 2010, a casual conversation between PhotoSensitive’s founding photographer, Andrew Stawicki, and Canon Canada’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Wayne Doyle, raised the possibility of a new PhotoSensitive exhibition.

Photo by Andrew Stawicki, Camp Woodeden, ON

Wayne and Andrew have known each other for years and Wayne had wanted to partner with PhotoSensitive for a long time. Canon were key sponsors of Easter Seals Ontario and Wayne asked Andrew if PhotoSensitive would consider producing an exhibition showcasing the charity’s work. Coincidentally, Andrew had wanted to produce an Easter Seals show for years, but the necessary funding had never been forthcoming. Canon offered to provide that missing link – the sponsorship money to help make it happen.

After a very positive meeting with Jennifer Kroezen, Easter Seals Ontario’s Senior Manager, the project was given the green light and work on finding a team of photographers and filmmakers began in earnest.

Photo by David Stobbe, Camp Easter Seal, SK

This became the first PhotoSensitive project with an equal emphasis on photography and film and the two media compliment one another beautifully. Viewed together, the still images and short films provide glimpses of private moments as well as the joy and discovery in the faces of Canadian children with disabilities; the result is an exhibition of kids who truly can.

Finding the right photographers and videographers in eight provinces across Canada was quite the challenge, but once they were chosen, we noticed an overwhelming degree of willingness and excitement to come on board. For those shooting video footage, there was an even bigger commitment of editing the final film, creating a narrative structure and adding music. Such was the task that some of the videographers brought along a second pair of hands.

Photo by Fred Chartrand, Camp Merrywood, ON

Damien Kent, a videographer from Saskatchewan, was thrilled to join the project, as he spent many of his younger years working as a counsellor at the very same camp where he was sent to shoot. Presented with a chance to travel back in time to the memories of his childhood, he grabbed it instantly. “I would love an opportunity for my work to have a positive influence on people, and to give back to the camp and organization.” says Damien. Working mostly in news production, Damien admits that freelance work and projects like these provide him with much needed artistic fulfillment.

Once our team of 25 was chosen, we coordinated shooting dates, locations, subjects, and delivery times. While some wanted direction for their assignments, others preferred none at all. When summer came to and end, we began the process of contacting campers, families, and Easter Seals staff members to gather the stories that would accompany the images.

Photo by Kyle Cunjak, Camp Rotary, NL

The end result is a wide array of individual styles coming together brilliantly, showcasing Canada’s photographic and filmmaking talent. By giving our photographers and videographers complete artistic freedom, each film and set of photos is distinct from the others. The show is a testament to why PhotoSensitive projects are so powerful; the body of work makes for a compelling and attention-grabbing exhibition. We hope that the images and films will show how Easter Seals camps help kids with disabilities to become kids who can.

Kids Who Can will launch in Toronto at 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Brookfield Place and will run until March 16. Photos and videos from the show will be on our website from the day of the launch at http://eastersealskids.com/easter-seals-gallery.php

Photo by David Stobbe, Camp Easter Seal, SK

Filed Under: News, Openings, Projects

TIEd Together launches in Toronto

January 16, 2012 By Marni 3 Comments

TIEd Together, a black-and-white multimedia exhibition documenting Canadians’ experiences with prostate cancer, launched in Toronto on Tuesday January 10th. Produced in partnership with Prostate Cancer Canada, 100+ images were on display along with ten video interviews. PhotoSensitive’s first launch of 2012 drew over 100 guests, who came to view the images and hear the stories of prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones.

PhotoSensitive’s coordinator James Burns acted as MC for the evening, speaking about the partnership between PhotoSensitive and Prostate Cancer Canada, and the dedication of survivors and photographers who helped to make the show a success.

Next up was Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada, who spoke of how TIEd Together sheds light on the faces of prostate cancer. With over 25,000 Canadian men who will be diagnosed in 2012, Steve stressed the importance of raising awareness of the disease.

Laura Bombier, PhotoSensitive photographer, spoke with Derek Lawrence, prostate cancer survivor, about their beautiful photo of Derek and his wife. Derek shared some touching and personal stories with the audience about his recovery process, and the emotions that followed. Laura expressed her love of photography and the PhotoSensitive projects, which never fail to inspire her.

Lastly, Simon Samuel discussed his work with The Walnut Foundation, and the importance of raising awareness of prostate cancer among black communities. His photo is featured in the show.

As a final surprise, Telus handed off a generous donation to Prostate Cancer Canada to help them in their national fight against prostate cancer.

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate TIEd Together – the show is available to the public at Brookfield Place, up to and including Saturday, January 21st. TIEd Together will then travel westward, stopping first in Winnipeg at the beginning of February at the St. Vital Centre. For more information about the national tour, please contact marni@photosensitive.com

PhotoSensitive's 32-inch touchscreen, the centerpiece of TIEd Together, displayed ten video interviews of prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Guests peruse the exhibit before the launch. Over 100 images are on display, telling the stories of Canadians affected by the disease.

Simon Samuel, prostate cancer survivor and advocate for The Walnut Foundation, with his wife Cheryl, in front of their photo, taken by V. Tony Hauser.

Emilio Ciampini watches his interview on the touch screen unit. His father, a Holocaust survivor, died from prostate cancer over 20 years ago. In the poignant interview, Emilio and his son, Giordano, talk about their father/grandfather and how much he is missed.

James Burns, Project Coordinator and M.C for the night, speaks about PhotoSensitive's partnership with Prostate Cancer Canada.

Guests get involved, taking photos of their own.

Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Simon Samuel speaks about his experience with prostate cancer and the importance of raising awareness among the black community.

Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada, accepts a generous donation from Telus

Photographer Ruby Agoncillo

Photographer Laura Bombier, right, listens attentively while she waits to speak about her work with PhotoSensitive and prostate cancer survivor Derek Lawrence.

Derek Lawrence and his wife Margaret stand in front of their photo with Helene Vassos, COO and National Director, PCC and Steve Jones, CEO, PCC.

Helene Vassos and Steve Jones, PCC, preview the films.

Wayne Harris, prostate cancer survivor, enjoys a moment with his family in front of their photos taken by Michele Taras.

Sean Dennis, prostate cancer survivor, stands with wife and photographer, Geraldine. Sean lost his mother to breast cancer, seen together in their photo, just before his own diagnosis.

Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Filed Under: Openings, Projects, Videos

Fuel of Life opens at Brookfield Place, Toronto

December 8, 2011 By James Leave a Comment

PhotoSensitive’s latest exhibition, The Fuel of Life: Energy in the 21st Century, produced in partnership with the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA), had its launch party on Monday, November 28, at Brookfield Place, Toronto.

A great crowd of over 150 people gathered in the Allen Lambert Galleria to check out the exhibition’s 100+ photos and dozen short films displayed on a large touch screen unit.

PhotoSensitive’s coordinator, James Burns, acted as MC for the evening and OSEA’s Executive Director Kristopher Stevens kicked the night off with a speech explaining OSEA’s activities and how The Fuel of Life was such a good fit for them.

Next up was Tyler Hamilton, author, Toronto Star writer and member of The Fuel of Life‘s advisory committee, a group put together to ensure that we covered every conceivable aspect of the huge topic of energy. Tyler also edited and contributed to The Fuel of Life book and spoke about how his collaboration with PhotoSensitive fitted so well with his passion for renewable energy.

PhotoSensitive founding photographers, Peter Bregg and V. Tony Hauser then explained how The Fuel of Life had been planned for many years, since the launch of The Life of Water. It was only a matter of time before we tackled this important topic and once we received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, it was full speed ahead.

James ended the evening by thanking the many, many people who helped to put the exhibition together, including photographers, videographers, writers, designers, partners and sponsors.

Many of the students involved in The Fuel of Life: Through a Young Lens attended the opening, along with a good number of their teachers. Over 600 submissions were received from students from over 30 schools, colleges and universities across Canada. Of those 600+ submissions, 44 photos were selected for inclusion in The Fuel Of Life exhibition.

Copies of The Fuel of Life were selling like hot cakes, along with other PhotoSensitive books, Field of Vision and Cancer Connections. The Fuel of Life book is available to buy directly from PhotoSensitive for $30 plus shipping.

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate our latest project – the exhibition is available throughout 2012 and we are hoping to have it show at many other venues in the new year.

The impressive Allen Lambert Galleria in Brookfield Place, resplendent with festive lights, played host to the Fuel of Life exhibition. A good crowd gathered to peruse the photos well before the opening ceremony. Photo by Jennifer Gillespie.

The exhibition's information panel. Photo by Jennifer Gillespie.

People gathered to view the photos and to check out the short films on the touchscreen unit (centre). Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Photo by Phil Norton.

A young PhotoSensitive fan reads about nuclear energy. Photo by Phil Norton.

PhotoSensitive photographer Jennifer Gillespie picks up her copy of the Fuel of Life book. Photo by Chris Bumstead.

OSEA's Executive Director, Kristopher Stevens, explains why OSEA partnered with PhotoSensitive to create the show. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

MC for the evening and PhotoSensitive coordinator, James Burns, with Halifax-based PhotoSensitive photographer, Shari Tucker. Photo by Jamie Pothier.

The touchscreen unit, which displays 12 short films on a variety of aspects of energy, including cow poo power, BIXI Bikes, the energy of yoga, a grass roots solar panel project and a house that creates more energy than it uses. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by three young finalists from So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Photo by Jennifer Gillespie.

Filed Under: Openings

TIEd Together to launch in Toronto: January 10th, 2012

November 30, 2011 By Marni Leave a Comment

We are excited to announce the official launch of TIEd Together, which will take place at 6:30pm on Tuesday, January 10^th 2012, Brookfield Place, Toronto. The show will exhibit over 100 stunning images of prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones. Additionally, we will be showing ten short films on our interactive 32-inch touch screen. Scroll through the clips to watch the personal testimony of those affected by prostate cancer. Men and women come forward to share their inspiring stories. Ten unique accounts from a photographer, poet, CEO, son, wife, and many more.

To find out more please email Marni Wolf at marni@photosensitive.com

Prostate cancer survivor Ian Smith stands by the Irish Sea at the beginning of his Coast to Coast walk for prostate cancer awareness. In his interview, Ian talks about the physical difficulties he overcame to conquer the challenging trek. Photo by Gene Carignan

Emilio, seen here, lost his father to prostate cancer. Emilio's son, photographer Giordano was deeply affected. The father and son duo talk about the importance of family history in their up close and personal interview. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Derek Lawrence is no longer afraid of prostate cancer - when the cancer metastasized, he underwent a 12-hour spinal surgery. Derek speaks about how prostate cancer changed his marriage and what keeps him and wife, Margaret, smiling. Photo by Laura Bombier

Ron Telpner, CEO of The Brainstorm Group, won't let his diagnosis bring him down. Ron speaks about how eating healthy, staying fit, and meditating has helped in his fight against prostate cancer. Photo by Michele Taras

Filed Under: News, Openings

TIEd Together launches in Halifax, NS

October 20, 2011 By Marni Leave a Comment

On Tuesday, October 11th, TIEd Together was launched in Halifax, Nova Scotia at Prostate Cancer Canada’s annual conference.

The exhibit, located in the heart of the city at Scotia Square, was on public display for all to view. With over 100 images and stories of prostate cancer survivors and their families, TIEd Together sheds a personal light on how Canadian men are affected by the disease. Local men came with family and friends to view the photos and share their own experiences.

For those who missed the show at Scotia Square, TIEd Together is now in Dartmouth, NS and will remain at the Mic Mac Mall until October 26th. The show will have its official launch in Toronto on January 9th, 2012 at the Brookfield Place. It will then travel to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa over the next eight months. As the show begins its national tour, we hope that it will inform Canadians around the country as well as support prostate cancer survivors themselves. PhotoSensitive would like to thank all men who submitted a photo and shared their story with us.

John smiles with daughter Brittany and partner Gary in front of their family portrait. Photo by Marni Wolf

Dick Groot, prostate cancer survivor and TIEd Together photographer, with his portrait. Photo by Marni Wolf

Bill O'Brien hugs his portrait taken by Dick Groot. Photo by Marni Wolf

: Rita looks at a photo of her husband Gary, prostate cancer survivor. Photo by Marni Wolf

Mall visitors peruse the exhibit. Photo by Eric Hayes

Prostate Cancer survivor Eric Hayes from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia tells his story to the camera. Eric used documentary style photography to deal with his diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Stay tuned to see his video as well as other survivors stories from across the country.

Filed Under: News, Openings, Projects

V. Tony Hauser book launch in NYC

June 20, 2011 By Marni Leave a Comment

PhotoSensitive’s V. Tony Hauser launched his new collector’s edition art book The Majestic Maasai in support of Free the Children. Held at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery in New York City on Monday June 6th, Hauser displayed his stunning portraits from trips to Kenya in 2007, 2008 and 2010 where he documented the complex customs of the traditional Maasai villagers. Limited edition photographs were shown in platinum, silver or carbon pigment prints. All proceeds from the sales of the book and prints were donated to Free the Children, which will be directly invested in programs benefiting the Maasai Mara.

Hauser chats with a guest. Photo by Marni Wolf

Free the Children gives thanks to Hauser for his talented work, dedication and support. All of the proceeds from the event will support Maasai communities in Kenya. Photo by Marni Wolf

The crowd listens intently as Hauser speaks about his experiences in Kenya. Photo by Marni Wolf

Photo by Marni Wolf

V. Tony Hauser's portrait of a Maasai Mara family hangs on the wall at the launch for his newest book, The Majestic Maasai. Photo by Marni Wolf

Filed Under: Openings, Uncategorized

Cancer Connections book launches

April 20, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

On Tuesday, April 12, PhotoSensitive celebrated the launch of its book, Cancer Connections: Images of Hope and Courage From Across Canada, with launch parties in several Canadian cities.

In Toronto, at the gallery in First Canadian Place, almost 200 people gathered to celebrate the book’s publication, including survivors, photographers, friends, family, members of the Canadian Cancer Society, (PhotoSensitive’s partner in the Cancer Connections exhibitions) and representatives from John Wiley & Sons, the book’s publisher.

Launch events also took place on the same night in Calgary, Regina and Winnipeg, organized by the Canadian Cancer Society. Each event had speakers who were directly involved with the book, both survivors and photographers. The launches were a great success, with almost 200 books being sold at the Toronto event alone.

Books are still available at a discount direct from PhotoSensitive and they can also be bought from bookstores across Canada.

Cancer Connections cover star, Becky Orenczuk, explained how she got involved in Cancer Connections. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Part of the crowd listening to the speeches at the Toronto book launch. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

PhotoSensitive's founding photographer, Andrew Stawicki. Photo by Tanya Workman.

The Canadian Cancer Society's VP of External Engagement, Rick Perciante, explained how the Society and PhotoSensitive joined forces to produce Cancer Connections. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Vicky Roth standing next to her photo of her father. Over 150 photos from the Cancer Connections exhibition were on display in the gallery at First Canadian Place.

PhotoSensitive subject Nancy Baye from Vancouver gave a touching reading from her book based on her experiences of fighting cancer three times. Photo by Marni Wolf.

Colon cancer survivor, Keith Branscombe, explained how taking photographs of himself throughout his treatment helped him to cope with the disease. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Christiane Coté, Manager of Custom Publishing at John Wiley & Sons, explained why the company decided to publish the Cancer Connections book. Photo by Marni Wolf.

Cancer Connections cover photographer, Michele Taras, with her biggest fan. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

A nice mixture of age groups enjoyed the Toronto launch party.

Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Siva Gnanaratnam, a survivor of over 15 years, next to her Cancer Connections photo. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Breanna Gillespie-Bumstead, a young neuroblastoma survivor and Cancer Connections subject, with her little brother. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

The MC for the Toronto opening, PhotoSensitive's James Burns. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Kyle stands next to his Cancer Connections photo during the Toronto opening. Photo by Marni Wolf.

Guests peruse the Cancer Connections book before the opening ceremony in Toronto. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

PhotoSensitive photographer, Nikki Wesley, with the next generation of PhotoSensitive photographer. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Photographer Pixie Shaw (left) with Sara Cotton and her baby, next to their Cancer Connections photo. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

The Calgary book launch for Cancer Connections took place at the Chapters Bookstore on Macleod Trail.

Cancer Connections photographer and subject, Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor Angela Butler, addresses the audience at the Calgary Cancer Connections book launch. Photo by Jessica Robinson.

Cancer Connections books on display at the Calgary launch. Photo by Jessica Robinson.

Dan Holinda, Executive Director, Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division, Rita Gore, Cancer Connections photographer and Angela Butler, Cancer Connections photographer/subject, during the Calgary book launch. Photo by Jessica Robinson.

Filed Under: Openings Tagged With: kjezebfgfk

Field of Vision Opening Video

April 9, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

For the release of Field of Vision: PhotoSensitive and Social Change, a huge retrospective exhibition of stunning photos from 20 years of PhotoSensitive projects ran from September 14 to September 27 at the Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place, Toronto. Selected photos from the show were put on display at Henry’s Photographic, Video and Digital Imaging Show at the International Centre, Mississauga from October 15 to October 17.

The book is showcases over 300 images from 17 projects produced in partnership with 19 charitable organizations, including United Way, CNIB, CARE Canada, Hospital for Sick Children and Daily Bread Food Bank.

The projects cover a wide variety of subjects, from the very first – homelessness, to the most recent – cancer. In between, PhotoSensitive also turned its collective lens towards AIDS, diversity, poverty, water and the effects of the Indian Ocean tsunami, to name but a few. Photos have been drawn from 10 countries, spanning three continents.

The collective started out as a handful of Toronto-based photographers. This number steadily grew over the years, to the point where there have been close to 900 photographers from across Canada contributing to our projects.

PhotoSensitive held a panel discussion in the Verizon Grand Hall at the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the exhibition on September 16.

The discussion featured a dozen PhotoSensitive photographers – Andrew Stawicki, Andy Clark, Benjamin Rondel, Bernard Weil, Kevin Van Paassen, Patti Gower, Peter Bregg, Stan Behal, Steve Simon, Tobi Asmoucha, V. Tony Hauser and Yuri Dojc.

During the discussion, the panel brought up how photography can be used to raise awareness about social issues. They spoke about what is behind a PhotoSensitive exhibition, how the photos get taken in the field, how subjects are chosen and shot and how photos are edited and displayed. They discussed how PhotoSensitive works with partner agencies to put together a show; how to raise awareness of the agency’s work, how we gain access to subjects and ensure we capture the best possible photos.

During the exhibition opening and panel discussion, the Field of Vision book was available for a suggested donation of $25. The 190-page, black-and-white coffee-table book is a beautiful visual history of PhotoSensitive, containing hundreds of stunning images.

Filed Under: Openings, Videos

Field of Vision Opening Draws Huge Crowd

April 9, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

PhotoSensitive’s 20th retrospective exhibition, Field of Vision, opened at Brookfield Place, Toronto, on September 14 with a huge, celebratory opening ceremony.

Photo by Jennifer Gillespie

Hundreds of people watched the opening speeches introduced by MC for the evening, MP Gerard Kennedy. Gerard was involved in the very first PhotoSensitive project back in 1990, “It’s In Their Eyes” during his time as the CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank, our partner in the project.

Writer Alannah Campbell spoke about her experience of writing the Field of Vision book and then introduced a video of PhotoSensitive photographers talking about how and why they work with PhotoSensitive. A short, surprise video followed of photographers and family members talking about how founding photographer Andrew Stawicki has been the driving force behind the organization.

Photo by Tanya Workman

PhotoSensitive photographers Peter Bregg and V. Tony Hauser spoke about the history of PhotoSensitive and Patti Gower talked about how we have encouraged and mentored student photographers over the last 20 years.

Photo by Tanya Workman

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable David C. Onley then spoke to the audience about how PhotoSensitive had worked with some of his predecessors and how he hoped to continue that tradition. PhotoSensitive co-founders, Andrew Stawicki and Peter Robertson then wrapped up proceedings by thanking the many people involved in putting together our projects over the years.

The Lieutenant Governor then cut the ribbon, flanked by PhotoSensitive photographers and the exhibition was officially open.

Photo by Tanya Workman

On Thursday September 16, PhotoSensitive hosted a panel discussion evening at the Hockey Hall of Fame. A dozen PhotoSensitive photographers and editors spoke about the processes of social photography, its increasing importance in our modern society and what they get out of being involved with it. The discussion included the vision needed to capture the right image at the right time, losing a photographer in Africa and the difficulties of finding a wooden penis in Rwanda.

Photo by Nancy Paiva Left to right: Erin Elder, Stan Behal, Bernard Weil, Andy Clark, Kevin Van Paassen, Tobi Asmoucha, Yuri Dojc, Steve Simon, V. Tony Hauser, Peter Robertson, Benjamin Weil, Andrew Stawicki, James Burns.

The Field of Vision exhibition showed at Brookfield Place until September 25 and was seen by tens of thousands of people. Selected photos from the show will be on display at Henry’s Photographic, Video and Digital Imaging Show at the International Centre, Mississauga from October 15 – 17. PhotoSensitive will have free passes to the show for those people on its email database.