The 2018 edition of Unseen Amsterdam – a leading platform for the discovery of new photographic talent – announces its full programme, offering a rich selection of exhibitions and events that look to the future of the medium.
The selection of emerging artists responds to current socio-political issues through poignant documentary and meticulous reconstruction. For example, Mustafa Saeed’s work touches on timely themes including war, conflict and the environment, whilst Keyezua revisits and questions clichéd representations of African women.
Other examples include When Records Melt, a collection which positions artists as social researchers, demonstrating the medium’s ability to capture cultural and environmental issues. Focussing on the impact of climate change on glaciers, the show features powerful work by practitioners including Edward Burtynsky and Noémie Goudal. Created in collaboration with Project Pressure – a charity working with international scientists and creatives – the selection bridges the boundaries between fields whilst catalysing environmental awareness through photography.
Part of the exhibition is Shroud, a recent series by Simon Norfolk and Klaus Thymann. The works – featured above – were created during a recent expedition in Switzerland and depict the rapid depletion of its Rhône Glacier. Using light in mysterious, emotionally resonant ways, the haunting compositions reflect on the future of arctic environments.
Further foregrounding collaboration, the CO-OP strand offers a platform for cutting-edge collectives to present ideas and imagery in surprising ways. Comprising illustrators, designers, video makers and more, it foregrounds responsive projects from organisations including the Migrant Image Research Group, who study Mediterranean migration to Europe and Switzerland-based KLAYM, who offer a platform for African creatives through the publication of NICE Magazine.
New for this year, Unseen Amsterdam presents Futures, the first exhibition to bring together 60 emerging artists working with the synonymous European platform. Tying in to the event’s commitment to talent development – as exemplified by the ING Unseen Talent Award – it opens doors to the next generation of photographers.
From 21-23 September. Find out more here.
Credits:
1. Shroud, Rhône Glacier, Switzerland, 2018 © Norfolk + Thymann
2. From the expedition to East Greenland, 2012 © Project Pressure
