Rebecca Solnit has become one of the most influential writers, historians, and activists of the past decade. Her 2014 collection of essays Men Explain Things To Me undoubtedly influenced the popular use of the term "mansplaining," and A Field Guide to Getting Lost and numerous other writings have received ongoing acclaim and feel increasingly relevant in today's tense political climate.

Beyond her literary and political influence, Solnit's writings have made a mark in the photography community, with photographers, educators, curators, and critics alike citing her influence. On the heels of Solnit's recent publication, The Mother of All Questions, we contacted some of our favorite photographers and other pillars of the photography community to learn how Solnit has impacted their work and ideas about the nature of "seeing." Many have included some of their favorite Solnit quotes as well.

PostedApril 27, 2017

AuthorJon Feinstein

CategoriesArtists

In 2008, after participating in a panel discussion for the biennial exhibition 31 Women in Art Photography at Brooklyn's now defunct 3rd Ward, photographers Amy Elkins and Cara Phillips created Women in Photography. The project aimed to provide exhibition and grant opportunities for female photographers outside of the traditional structure of the commercial, often male dominated art world. They collaborated with a range of curators and institutions including The Aperture Foundation, LACMA, MoCP, Leslie Tonkonow, Lightwork, P.P.O.W Gallery, and LTI/Lightside, and were at one point closely integrated into Humble Arts Foundation's programing. After taking a hiatus for a few years in 2013, Elkins and Phillips have returned, alongside curator Megan Charland, offering a range of new programing including a grant and mentorship opportunities for women making photography-based work. Shortly after the relaunch, which includes a stellar exhibition from Whitney Hubbs, I caught up with Elkins and Phillips over email to learn what's in store.

Interview by Jon Feinstein

PostedApril 19, 2017

AuthorJon Feinstein

CategoriesGalleries, Artists, Publications

TagsCara Phillips, Amy Elkins, Women in Photography, Brea Souders, Angela Strassheim, Whitney Hubbs, Erika Larsen, Erica Allen, Tiana Markova-Gold, Cristina De Middel, Anna Beeke, Tema Staufer

I first met Colin Stearns in New York around 2008, where we worked together in the Photography Program at Parsons. I was immediately a fan of his first book, Meridian, published by RITA in the fall of 2015. Small and full of deceptively simple, yet elegant black and white photographs, Meridian at first glance, reads as a traditional photobook. However, through beautiful sequencing and a series of semi-transparent images, the book unfolds as a more complicated meditation on memory, emotion and landscape.

His second book within a three book series, All That Cannot Be Said was just released by Kris Graves Projects. Departing in tone and place from his first book, All That Cannot Be Said shows the dark, layered, and often broken urban landscape of New York City. I recently talked with Colin about his process and the new book, which can be found at Kris Graves Projects or Photoeye.

There will be an official book launch on May 11th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Rubber Factory in New York City's Lower East Side.

Interview by Joy Drury Cox

PostedApril 17, 2017

AuthorJoy Drury Cox

CategoriesPublications, Artists, Portfolio

TagsJoy Drury Cox, Colin Stearns, Photobooks, Photography Books, New York Photographers, Black and White Photography

Are we still doing these? And did we belated-April-Fools you? We're still excited about Instagram, and we're still excited about photographers using the "platform" to make meaningful work that breaks the clichés of so many best-of lists. These fourteen photographers and "photo-based-artists" have spent week-long residencies with us since the beginning of the year and continue to inspire us daily, on and off Instagram. So spend a few minutes, familiarize yourself with their work, and give them a follow. If you'd like to be considered for a Humble IG takeover, details are HERE.

PostedApril 12, 2017

AuthorJon Feinstein

CategoriesArtists, Galleries

TagsTatum Shaw, Amak Mahmoodian, Serrah Russell, Barr Faber, Chris Maggio, Henrik Hansen, Joe Lingemann, Katie Riep, Maela Ohana, Christopher Hutchinson, Pietro Cocco, Patrick Gookin

Binocular Tropical © Joseph Desler Costa — *Binocular Tropical* © Joseph Desler Costa

Last summer I visited Foley Gallery in New York City’s Lower East Side to see High Summer, an exhibition curated by Joseph Desler Costa and Jeremy Haik, and had the chance to interview both artists about their work and approach to art-making. Desler Costa, who is represented by Michael Foley, recently celebrated the opening of a solo exhibition of his own work, Particle Paradise, a display of seventeen new photographs and sculptural pieces. I visited the gallery on an overcast afternoon and was met by the artist for a private tour of the show. Continuing our conversation later, we discussed some of the finer points of his new work.

PostedApril 5, 2017

AuthorAdam Ryder

CategoriesExhibitions, Artists, Galleries

TagsJoseph Desler Costa, Jeremy Haik, Adam Ryder, Michael Foley, Foley Gallery, New Photography

Reading Rebecca Solnit: 17 Photographers and Curators on Her Influence and Inspiration

Women In Photography Relaunches, Offering Grant, Exhibition and Mentorship Opportunities

All That Cannot Be Said: New Photobook Explores New York City's Broken Landscape

14 Photographers You Should Never Ever Follow on Instagram (Part Two)

Joseph Desler Costa: Repackaging Commercialism, Slaying the Sublime