Flash Forward Boston: Contemporary Photography

Blind in a Red Dress- Jinyoung Kim

Yesterday I scoped out the Flash Forward Festival down on the waterfront in Boston. Flash Forward is an contemporary photography festival showcasing emerging artists from the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. Sponsored by the Magenta Foundation, a Canadian publishing house for the arts, and juried by respected editors in the photography community, Flash Forward showcases "the work created by the very best emerging photographers." Housed in the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel, the event considers the state of contemporary photography through its various exhibits and panels. I attended a panel on marketing strategies for photographers hosted by seasoned pros and editors in the field. This talk, like many on their schedule, considers how photographers can network together to create a vibrant community of artists who actually make some money.  The practical approach to these talks is refreshing as it recognizes the financial necessities of artists today, and empowers artists to more actively manage their own careers.  

Though the exhibit is somewhat strangely housed in a unfinished restaurant retail space, the artwork is worth checking out.  Wander outside the main exhibit space and you'll find a collection of self-published hand-made photobooks and outdoor installations on the side of the Fairmont Hotel.  While you're there, pick up the free Flash Forward catalog, a 250+ page glossy photobook of all the Flash Forward photographers. The festival and all its events are free and open to the public, and are in town until Sunday night.  Walk through the North End down to the wharf and check out this interesting event!

Check out their full schedule of events.