Photo North Festival 5
Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of images as Photo North Festival gears up for its fifth edition, set to illuminate Leeds this spring with what promises to be one of the most exciting European photographic events of the year.
Co-founders and curators Sharon Price and Pete Dench will be bringing together a stellar lineup of both seasoned and emerging photo heroes under one roof at The Carriageworks Theatre between 12 - 14 April, featuring iconic exhibitions by legends of the photography profession, talks, networking, screenings, delicious food, and more.
Renowned photographer Martin Parr will showcase a selection of images from "Chew Stoke: A Year in the Life of an English Village," offering a glimpse into the daily activities that define a community. Peter Mitchell, known for documenting Leeds for over 40 years, will exhibit specially made prints, providing a unique perspective on the city.
The festival takes a deeper dive into social issues with the Voices exhibition curated by Tracy Marshall-Grant. Featuring award-winning women in documentary photography, including Jillian Edelstein, Carol Allen-Storey, and Kirsty MacKay, the exhibition not only visually illuminates social and political issues but also empowers the voices within the images.
In collaboration with The Royal Photographic Society, Photo North presents "The Fighting Spirit of South London" by Aneesa Dawoojee, offering a personal exploration of community, resilience, and hope through the lens of martial artists and combat sports athletes.
Dive into the emotional and insightful world of divorce with Harry Borden's debut title in The School of Life's portrait photography series, titled "On Divorce." The series aims to challenge preconceptions and steer us towards compassion, identification, and empathy.
The festival doesn't stop there; it explores various themes, from the Georgian underground in John Bolloten's "Tbilisi Raw" to Barry Lewis's haunting images from Stalin's Siberian prison camps in "GULAG."
Award-winning photographer Jeremy Nicholl takes us on a journey across Russia, capturing the thousands of memorials dedicated to Lenin. Jim Grover's "Windrush: A Voyage through the Generations" honors the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in Britain, exploring the cultural impact on subsequent generations.
The festival also showcases diverse projects by Ukrainian photographers, inviting contemplation on Ukraine's history and visual culture. Gurushots' global community hosts the Art of Photography photo-challenge winners, and the Channel 4 picture team makes a special appearance for portfolio drop-ins and an industry chat takeover.
Festival co-founders Peter Dench and Sharon Price are excited to present a thought-provoking, lively, and inclusive event that caters to professionals, enthusiasts, amateurs, and anyone fascinated by the timeless appeal of photography.
12-14 April 2024, The Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square.