Anders and that gut feeling

© Michael Grieve / 1000 Words

The 1000 Words Workshop in Fez, Morocco with the Swedish photographer Anders Petersen finished on 1 May 2011, and was an absolute success.

Anders Petersen is a self-confessed fish; once you think you have him in your grasp he will surprise you and slip away. Paradox is taught on an Anders Petersen workshop as an essential ingredient together with the need to embrace our fears in life and not to be afraid of being afraid. Petersen’s personality, charisma and experience make him one of the most vital teachers of photographic practice to those seeking to unlock an expression of themselves from the heart rather than the mind. Such was the experience in Fez, a location that provides the perfect backdrop, bursting with energy to engage the senses.

Petersen conducted a wonderful workshop, directing his students to shoot from the gut and reach the pinnacle as they go about "sharpening their pyramids".

1000 Words would like to thank Anders Petersen and the vibrant personalities of the participants who, after five intensive days, produced some extraordinary photography,a small snippet of which can be seen below. The concentration of time, perfect location and Petersen’s inspiration conspired to change the attitude and approach of the participants for the rest of their creative lives. They are:


Andre Faccioli (Brazil)



















Birgit Vagani (Italy)












































Emily Clarke (UK)

















Jim Clarke (UK)












































Nina Hove (Norway)












































Laura Hynd (UK)

























Samuele Pellecchia (Italy)



















Vanessa Bonnin (Australia)

















We would also like to thank Omar Chennafi for his local knowledge and assistance, Vanessa Bonnin for help processing black and white film, and the gracious presence of Stephen di Renza for being the perfect host.

Submissions are open for our next workshop in Morocco with Erik Kessels in September 2011. More information and details on how to apply is available here.

1000 Words Photography Magazine #11

I am delighted to inform you that the third anniversary issue of 1000 Words "Hidden" is now available to view online.

Despite a recent period of frenetic activity during which we have participated in a panel discussion in Oslo, staged our workshop with Anders Petersen in Fez and presented a slideshow at Fotofestiwal, the tenth annual International Festival of Photography in Łódź, Poland, we have still managed to produce this issue in time for Spring.

So without further ado please go to: www.1000wordsmag.com















Keeping things from notice or view is the theme which underpins much of the photography that is featured in the "Hidden" issue.

Writer and curator Val Williams reports back from the Simon Norfolk and John Burke exhibition at Tate Modern, (Photographs from the War in Afghanistan); Photography critic at The Financial Times, Francis Hodgson wrestles with the work of Michael Ackerman in his special book review of Half Life and Daniel Campbell Blight also brings us an extended book review of People in Trouble Laughing Pushed to the Ground from the artist duo Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin, an extraordinary social document of a critical moment in the history of Northern Ireland.

Elsewhere, photographer, editor, educator, writer and curator Aaron Schuman lifts the lid on the remarkable story of the late Vivian Maier whose work was discovered at an auction in Chicago by John Maloof; Director at QUAD, Co-founder of FORMAT International Photography Festival and 1000 Words Non-executive director Louise Clements turns her attention to How to Photograph a Black Dog, a witty and irreverent project by legendary Dutch art director, collector and innovator, Erik Kessels and finally Natasha Christia, Manager of photography at Barcelona's Kowasa Gallery, peeks into the portfolio of Martina Hoogland Ivanow, the hugely talented Stockholm-based artist.

In the dedicated books section 1000 Words Deputy editor, Michael Grieve pays his dues to Paul Graham's Beyong Caring and Oliver Whitehead puts Rinko Kawauchi's Murmuration under the scalpel.

At 1000 Words we strive to foreground the subjectivity of documentary photography whilst always exploring the limits and possibilities of the medium. Many thanks to all the artists, writers and advertisers for contributing to this special issue. A big hand must also go to Santiago Taccetti of CCCH Creative Studio Barcelona for his beautifully understated art direction on the project. We would also like to extend our thanks to you, our readers, for helping support 1000 Words throughout this exciting venture.

Photography, publishing and the internet

The words "photography" and "publishing" are natural bedfellows, intertwined for as long as anyone can remember. Historically speaking, the printed page was the ultimate venue for viewing a photographer's work but in recent years the internet has profoundly changed the way we look at and think about photography. So who's hogging the duvet now?

In a recent interview, Lesley Martin, publisher of the Aperture Foundation's book programme, ventured the following: "The mystery for me is that the photobook audience has become more educated, more interested, more connected to the idea of the photobook – yet for the most part, sales are not shooting through the roof to a corresponding degree."

Printing photobooks can be very expensive, meaning that print runs are usually small. Publishing online on the other hand is fast, fluid and flexible, costs a fraction of the price but offers an audience infinitely larger choice to boot. Yes, I understand the arguments; Photobooks are collectable. Photobooks offer an intimate and tactile viewing experience. Photobooks are the perfect "lap medium" as the great John Gossage famously said. And yes I am also fully aware that there is a certain stigma attached to the broad access to photography online from some fraternities of the photo world, although thankfully this is gradually fading. Image overload, viewing images on screen and the many things that can ping or pop up at you at once are just some of the common gripes from the digital naysayers. But I'm not arguing for one over the other. Frankly, I'm tired of the analogue versus digital debate. It is as inevitable as it tedious. I prefer to think that we are constantly moving, and that photographic debates and wider creative concerns provide opportunities for us to think on lateral terms, in other words, how can we arrive at a certain point from a different perspective.

What is true is that the sheer volume of images we digest on a daily basis not just on the internet but in the world around us is staggering, something that will only increase at exponential speeds in tandem with developments in technology. Camera phones, social media platforms and the Flickr ecosystem have in effect created a vast sprawling suburb of mediocrity.

So what to make of this slew of imagery? Now, more than ever, when instead of maybe going to galleries and museums we are finding ourselves more frequently viewing websites of photographers as way of discovering new work, there exists a very strong need to expose the meaningful images, promote, curate, share, and, most crucially, review and critique them intelligently.

Tiny Vices, an online gallery and image archive founded in 2005 by one time photo editor at Vice-cum-independent curator and photographer, Tim Barber, was probably the first to do its level best to respond to this challenge, and consequently helped to firmly establish the internet as a legitimate platform for disseminating photography. Offering an eclectic dip into hundreds of portfolios from artists such as Ryan McGinley and Dash Snow to Gus Powell and Craig Mammano, the website quickly become a wildly popular and accessible showcase with its well defined sensibility and thoughtful selection of work. Hundreds of new images were sent in for consideration every month in response to a continuous open call for submissions. By virtue of being web-based, Tiny Vices removed hurdles and facilitated genuine global dialogue and exchange of ideas for people who would never normally have the opportunity to interact in such a way. It fostered a great community. Such was its influence and reach that Barber was invited by Spencer Brownstone Gallery, New York to put on a physical exhibition during March, 2006. Reflecting the DIY, punk ethic of the website, it comprised a complex installation of photographs, drawings, and paintings by over sixty of the artists, well known and hitherto unknown, that had been featured online. Tiny Vices is a shining example of how two complimentary modes of production can be incorporated in an interesting and innovative way, whilst at the same time ushering in a radical rethinking of what constitutes a curator. Much could be said, much doubtless will be said about whether bloggers are the curators of the 21st Century.

Another website worthwhile bookmarking or better still saving as your home page is Jason Evans' visual diary, The Daily Nice. Presenting one image per day, his lo-fi website which first went live in 2004 consists of just one page, with just one picture on it. Familiar and spontaneous yet strangely compelling, the images taken by Evans are snapshots of commonplace situations, people, animals, objects, landscapes and the urban environment that convey a fragile, transient beauty. Evans has himself described The Daily Nice as "a retreat – a sheltered harbour, where you can rest for a minute."

Since June 2008 I have been publishing and editing 1000 Words, an independent, opinionated online magazine dedicated to contemporary photography. Released quarterly, each "issue" is loosely based on a theme, and features exhibition and photo book reviews, interviews, essays and multimedia. 1000 Words believes in merit and strives to feature works that represent creative skill, emotion, intelligence and that certain something that cannot be pinned down by words.

Whether we like it or not we are moving in an age where we will always be connected to the internet, and where the smart phone will become someone's digital identity. We are living in a time of accelerated consumption and shortened attention spans. In this information era we are allowed to – and even encouraged to – know very little but there has to be more to it than just an internet sugar rush. 1000 Words abides by the philosophy of the “slow web movement” and therefore requires you to take your time and savour what you consume.

The next issue of 1000 Words - Hidden - will hit the digital shelves 13 May.

This article was originally published by Raconteur Media and appeared in The Times, Saturday 23 April, 2011.

Fotofestiwal - 10th International Festival of Photography in Lodz, Poland

©JH Engström

©Anna Linderstam

©Viviane Sassen

Fotofestiwal, the annual International Festival of Photography in Lodz, Poland has commenced, showcasing a great selection of European and international artists in two main exhibitions Out of Life and Out of Mind. Along with hosting the usual gamut of workshops and portfolio reviews, Fotofestiwal has invited 1000 Words to curate a slideshow based on contemporary work from three of our featured photographers, who have each chosen music to accompany their own photographs. They are:

JH Engström, Wells, the third part of a trilogy leading on from Trying to Dance and Haunts, an autobiographical account involving mostly himself and Amanda.

Anna Linderstam's The Unheard Contradictions, an exploration of "mental states and conflicts through a performative process".

Viviane Sassen, Flamboya, which is both an attempt by Sassen to evoke her childhood, and more reflexively, questions photography's common properties.

The slideshow starts at 6pm, Friday 6 May at the Centrum Kultury Kreatywnej, Lodz.

1000 WORDS WORKSHOP WITH ERIK KESSELS IN MOROCCO, SEPTEMBER 2011

*17.07.11 THERE ARE STILL TWO PLACES AVAILABLE-APPLY NOW!-DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 14.08.11!*

After two very successful workshops with Antoine d'Agata and Anders Petersen, 1000 Words is very pleased to present its third with Erik Kessels in Fez, Morocco (12-17 September 2011). Though the camera will be the tool, this workshop will appeal to creatives from all visual disciplines, not just photography.

"Nowadays, we consume images without really looking at them. It's every photographer's duty to make images that stand out from the daily visual clutter." Erik Kessels

Please scroll down for more information and how to submit.

ERIK KESSELS:

Erik Kessels' list of achievements are extensive. He is best described as a curator and publisher who conceptualises vernacular photography and produces unusual artworks. He is a founding partner and Creative Director of the highly successful and innovative advertising agency, KesselsKrammer in Amsterdam (yes, that is the actual website). He has won numerous awards and KesselsKramer comprises of thirty eight people from eight different countries and has been operating since 1996. He has designed, edited and published several books on vernacular photography through KesselsKramer Publishing – including the in almost every picture series, The Instant Men and Wonder. Since 2000, he has been an editor of the alternative photography magazine Useful Photography.

Erik is also noted for his particularly original curated exhibitions such as Loving Your Pictures at the Centraal Museum Utrecht, The Netherlands and at Les Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie, Arles. He was one of four curators (alongside Lou Reed, Fred Ritchin and Vince Aletti) of the New York Photo Festival 2010 where he presented the exhibition Use Me Abuse Me.

Aside from all that, Erik is a very nice man with a creative spirit second to none. His conceptual approach and playful attitude will push those who are open to exploring more lateral ways of image-making.

ABOUT US:

The organisation's flagship is 1000 Words, an online magazine dedicated to contemporary photography in the UK and beyond. It reviews exhibitions and photobooks and publishes interviews, essays and multimedia. We are committed to showing the work of lesser-known but significant artists alongside that of established photographers in the aim of bringing their work to a wider audience. Often incredibly diverse in terms of subjects, concepts, styles and techniques, yet by covering a wide spectrum of genres 1000 Words intends to make us reconsider the contemporary photograph.

Released quarterly, the magazine attracts over 140,000 unique visitors from more than 75 countries every month. In May 2010 the 1000 Words Blog was ranked at number 3 in The Top 25 UK Arts & Culture Blogs as part of a survey carried out by Creative Tourist and was also named as the winner of Arts Media Contacts' Photography Blog of the Year Award, 2010.

Yet 1000 Words is much more than just an online magazine. It is the first step in our concept. 1000 Words also operates a programme of exhibitions and events including four annual workshops in Fez, Morocco as well as talks, portfolio reviews, prizes and awards. In July 2010, we launched the 1000 Words Collection, in partnership with Troika Editions, offering limited edition photography prints at affordable prices from artists including Simon Roberts, JH Engstrom, Bruno Quinquet, Sarah Small, Trinidad Carrillo, Andrew Bruce, Leigh Ledare, Nuno Cera and Virgilio Ferreira.

1000 Words is governed by its board of directors who play an active role in the direction of the organisation. They are: Camilla Gore, Nicholas Barker, Simon Baker, Aron Morel, Louise Clements, Tim Clark, Michael Grieve and Norman Clark. The 1000 Words Workshops are organised by Tim Clark, founder and editor-in-chief at 1000 Words and Michael Grieve, 1000 Words deputy editor, lecturer at Nottingham Trent University and a photographer represented by Agence Vu.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

The 1000 Words Workshop takes place in an authentically restored riad situated in the medieval medina, at the heart of the beautifully evocative city of Fez, Morocco. The workshop will be an intense experience lasting six days between 12-17 September 2011 and will consist of 12 participants. The medina is a vibrant labyrinth that will permeate all the senses. Surrounded by the Atlas Mountains, it offers a visually stunning backdrop for this truly unique workshop.

We are looking for a diverse range of participants who understand the work of Erik Kessels and feel that their own art will benefit from his guidance. As we said before, though the camera will be the tool, this workshop will appeal to creatives from all visual disiplines, not just photography.

"A lot of photographers are looking into ways to make their work public," says Erik Kessels. "Almost every photographer has their own website. But for a lot of photographers, there is also a strong need to publish a book or have an exhibition. How do you communicate these needs to the outside world? Also, which kind of tools are there to use?"

Erik Kessels will first give a lecture about his own experiences on these subjects. There will then be a workshop where photographers will find their own way to proceed in their future work. Subjects will be: 'How to edit your own photographs?' 'Self publishing' and 'How can photographers communicate about their own work?'.

Over the course of several days there will be different short briefs for the attending photographers. These will teach them to be more playful and communicative with their own work.


PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

The cost of the workshop will be £1250 for 6 days. Once participants have been selected they will be expected to pay a non-refundable deposit of £350 within two weeks. Participants can then pay the rest of the fee according to deadlines (see below). Participants are encouraged to arrive the day before the workshop begins for a welcome dinner. The price includes:

-tuition from Erik Kessels (inluding defining each participant's project;shooting;editing sessions;creating a coherent body of work;creation of a slide show;projection of the images of the participants.)
-a welcome and farewell dinner
-lunch everyday and snacks during the afternoon
-24 hour help from the 1000 Words team and an assistant/translator with local knowledge.

Participants will be expected to make their own travel arrangements and find accommodation, which in Fez can range from £150 upwards for the week. We can advise on finding the accommodation that best suits you. Remember that most of your time will be spent either at the riad or shooting. For photographers using film we will provide the means for processing and a scanner. Photographers shooting digital will be expected to bring all necessary equipment. Please note that for the purposes and practicalities of a workshop, digital really is advisable. All participants should also bring a laptop if they have one. Every effort will be made to accommodate individual technical needs.

HOW TO SUBMIT:

We require that you send 10 images as low res jpegs and/or a link to your website, as well as a short biography and statement about why you think it will be relevant for you to work with Erik (approx 200 words total). Submissions are to be sent to workshops@1000wordsmag.com with the following subject header: SUBMISSION FOR 1000 WORDS WORKSHOP WITH ERIK KESSELS.

30 June 2011: Deadline for applications
15 July 2011: Successful candidates contacted
29 July 2011: Deposit due (£350)
31 August 2011: Second instalment due (£900)
11 September 2011: Arrive in Morocco for welcoming dinner
12 September 2011: Workshop begins
17 September 2011: Workshop ends

Succes gewenst!

We're recruiting! Advertising sales director

Posted: 3 May

Closing: 3 June

Reporting to: The Director

Organisation background: 1000 Words is a leading online magazine dedicated to highlighting the best contemporary photography in the UK and beyond. Released quarterly, the magazine attracts over 140,000 unique visitors from more than 75 countries every month. In May 2010 its sister site, the 1000 Words Blog was ranked at number 3 in The Top 25 UK Arts & Culture Blogs in a survey carried out by Creative Tourist, and also named as the winner of Arts Media Contacts’ Photography Blog of the Year Award 2010. 1000 Words is published by 1000 Words Photography, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and supports contemporary photography through publishing and exhibiting opportunities, workshops, talks, limited-edition print sales and prizes and awards.

Salary: The position will be commission only: 50% of an advertisers’ first booking and then 25% thereafter paid immediately on the client funds clearing. The position can be held remotely for those with their own equipment and broadband, in which case 1000 Words will pay expenses which would be primarily for travel and phone calls (as the magazine is online all media packs, magazines, correspondence etc will be sent by email).

Job description: 1000 Words is looking to appoint an Advertising sales director to work on a freelance basis for its online magazine and related events. This role will suit a driven, tenacious sales professional with exceptional communication skills looking to further their career within the arts and publishing. The successful applicant will promote our full range of online advertising and bespoke e-announcements to existing UK and international clients as well as establishing new business prospects. A multi-platform sales role, you will also be responsible for events advertising as well as other forms of monetising the brand extension.

The role will include, but is not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities:

-Generating new business within existing accounts
-Identifying sales opportunities and presenting key features and benefits
-Liaising with accounts regarding credit control
-Liaising with editorial and art direction on production and placement of advertisements
-Keeping customer records up-to-date

Skills and attributes:

-2 - 5 years experience in advertising sales at a newspaper, magazine or website, preferably in the arts
-Proven track record of working under pressure, meeting deadlines and attention to detail
-Excellent time management, organisational and communication skills
-Must be confident in own abilities and views and be able to build relationships
-Highly motivated, and able to work independently and as part of a team
-Proven computer skills in all office applications
-Good knowledge of how the visual arts and photography sectors operate
-Sensitive understanding of 1000 Words’ mission, objectives and goals
-Firm believer in the value and benefits on online advertising and bespoke e-announcements
-Tech savvy and up-to-speed with social media platforms
-Excellent contact base and well-connected
-Background in photography or art history highly desirable

If you are interested in this role, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you think you would be the right person to jobs(at)1000wordsmag(dot)com by 12pm, Friday 3 June 2011.