#63: Offline Journal Newsletter : 14 Jan '24
Kicking off news in Welsh photography in 2024
HAPPY NEW 2024!
Here’s my latest take on News, events and exhibitions relating to photography and photographers in and linked to Wales.
The Winter months usually have events and gatherings slowly re-emerge from slumber, so do make an effort to attend where you can!
Brian
TALK: The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of the Photographic Platinum Print
Photographer Pete Davis will be giving an illustrated talk titled ‘The Rise, Fall and Rise Again of the Photographic Platinum Print’ on 16 January in Lampeter.
Organised by Cymdeithas Hanes Llambed / Lampeter History Society, the talk should be of interest to anyone who appreciates the craft, science and history of the early analogue photographic print.
The talk starts 7.30pm on 16 January in the Old Hall at University of Wales, Trinity St. David, Lampeter.
RIP Chris Carpenter
Wales recently lost talented graphic designer and photographer Chris Carpenter who sadly passed away in November of 2023.
Although Chris went on to be better known in design, his photography and that of other emerging talent in Wales was acknowledged by Marian Delyth in her 1982 book Cymru’r Camera - which featured in Paul Cabuts’ article in Offline Journal #005.
Chris founded Stills Design (one of the longest-running creative agencies in Wales) in Newport in 1994, before it moved to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. After exiting Stills, Chris and partner Suzanne went on to form their Cardiff-based award-winning studio Patternistas in 2015.
I only met Chris once, on an enjoyable Photowalk in Cardiff Bay organised by The Redroom’s Simon Regan and Marc Arkless back in July 2023. The image above and short video clip below offer snapshots of Chris in action with his TLR camera.
A charming, friendly and interesting creative gone too soon.
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MOHAMED HASSAN - ARTIST TALK
Photographer Mohamed Hassan will give an Artist Talk to accompany his exhibition WITNESSING WALES currently showing at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran.
Having moved from Egypt to Pembrokeshire in 2007, this event is an opportunity to hear Mo discuss his approach to creating portraits and landscapes, as well as ideas of identity, Nationhood and belonging.
The event will take place 11am - 12.30pm on Saturday 20 January 2024 and is free to attend.
Tickets are available (free) via Eventbrite here or email hello@llantarnamgrange.com to book a place.
PHOTO SOCIAL AT WORKERS GALLERY
Photographers Trevor James and David Mayne will be hosting an informal ‘Photo Social’ evening at The Workers Gallery in Ynyshir this coming Thursday evening from 5.30-8.00pm.
All are welcome for an informal get-together to chat about the art and craft of photography and the opportunity to discuss new images and projects you might be planning in the year ahead.
Pop along for a chilled couple of hours with friendly faces.
PHOTOWALKS IN ROATH PARK
Aiming for a similar vibe to the Photo Social in Ynyshir and Photowalks organised by The Redroom in mid-2023, I’m planning on hosting a couple of relaxed Offline PhotoWalks in Roath Park, Cardiff in coming weeks.
Taking a stroll around Roath Park Lake is something I do often for fresh air and (sometimes) productive thinking time away from my desk. On a recent chilly walk with my camera, the thought struck me that maybe a couple of others interested in photography might be interested in the same for a social meet and chat – with or without cameras. Don’t expect a guided tour or set photo briefs – rather, these are opportunities for meeting others for relaxed discussion (on photography or whatever) in the fresh air.
If you’ve never been to Roath Park before, you can find more information here: www.outdoorcardiff.com/parks/roath-park
There is a Cafe by the lake which serves tea, a selection of coffees, sandwiches and snacks. Public toilets are also onsite.
If you’d like to join me, I’m proposing meeting at the benches directly facing the iconic lake Lighthouse and spending around 1.5 hours at the lake and adjacent Gardens. As the public paths around the lake can have occasional muddy and puddle areas, I’d suggest wearing walking shoes or boots. I have no idea of the upcoming weather, so I’d suggest keeping an eye on weather forecasts, dressing warm and being prepared for rain.
The first two Roath Park Offline Photowalks will be on the following dates/times:
Sunday 28 January: 10.30am - 12 noon
Sunday 11 February: 10.30am - 12 noon
These Photowalks are free to attend, but if you’re interested in one of the dates - drop me an email at offline.journal@gmail.com as this will give me an idea of numbers on the day.
FFOTON MOVES TO YOUTUBE
As mentioned in the previous Newsletter, Ffoton has started the process of moving the ongoing collection of photographer conversations to YouTube.
Popular Podcast mobile Apps and Spotify can still access the RSS feed - but more video materials are planned in 2024 to join the popular videos already on the Ffoton YouTube channel - including the great film featuring Niall McDiarmid and legend Daniel Meadows discussing Niall’s 2018 exhibition at MPF in Bristol.
If you would like to support Ffoton’s efforts in the recording and editing of new audio conversations (and videos) planned through 2024, consider a donation as small as £5, or any larger amount you feel comfortable with, by using the payment link below. All support goes towards helping with storage and expenses.
20 Years Of Photography with Richard Walton
Ffoto Newport will host a talk with photographer Richard Walton on his career at 6.30pm on 17 January 2024.
Places are limited. More information is available on the Ffoto Newport website event page.
ONE YEAR! EXHIBITION PARTY
To celebrate their first exhibition of 2024, The Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol will host an opening party for ONE YEAR! PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE MINERS’ STRIKE 1984-85 on Thursday 18 January from 6-8pm.
The event is free to attend and the events at the Parr Foundation are always a fantastic opportunity to meet interesting photographers and other professionals working in photography. All welcome.
www.martinparrfoundation.org/events/one-year
You’re very welcome Michael and thank you for your interest
Thank you for your welcome, and the sight of Welsh photographic activity. I’m a Londoner, who after a lifetime in “the crearive industries” have become a fast-fading “Oldie. So please expect little from me in terms of participation, but carry my best wishes with you wherever you go, whatever you do.