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.
I am inspired by the human beings in front of, and behind, the camera. Your collaborative effort to capture communities is essential, if not spiritual.
PhotoSensitive is why we need (not just enjoy or appreciate) photography. Kind reagrads, Kresta