The Month Of Photography
The Month of Photography is historically the oldest and largest photography in Slovakia. The festival traditionally focuses on world photographic events, contemporary photography in Central and Eastern Europe as well as on photographic creation in Slovakia. The festival takes place in various galleries in the Bratislava Old Town. What will be presented at the 34th edition of the festival?
The 34th edition will bring almost thirty exhibitions, each of which offers a different emotional kind of experience. The festival is dominated by Martin Parr’s comprehensive exhibitions “The Chronicler” and Rudolf Koppitz’s “Photogenie“, both installed in the House of Arts (12, SNP Square).
We need to talk about World Natural Heritage all the time, perhaps more than about cultural heritage. Without preserving the former, there can be no latter. That is why we have chosen the theme of biodiversity conservation, promoting greater sensitivity to the effects of climate change, as the central theme of the 34th edition The Month of Photography. We have not only based the composition of this programme block on the apocalyptic consequences of the Anthropocene, but we have also included works by artists who awaken the viewer’s awareness and capacity for wonder at the wonders of nature. The theme of water emerged from its essential and symbolic, key role for human and natural life – 60% of our body is water, 70% of our brain is water.
The choice of exceptional works by foreign authors Beth Moon (USA), Cássio Vasconcellos (BR), Gerald Mansberger (A), Markus Eisel (A) and Michal Konrad (PL) organically follows the selection of works by Slovak authors – Michal Huba and Petr Áč.
Some of the exhibitions have been placed outdoors in order to get their message across to as wide an audience as possible, including those viewers who do not visit the galleries.
For the same reason, we have prepared an exhibition in Freedom Square about CERN, a top scientific institution in the territory of three countries – Germany, France and Switzerland, which studies the finest structures of matter. Just as we need to defend our natural heritage, we also need to defend science at a time when charlatans, in particular, often thrive. And science needs to be popularised among the widest possible public, which is perfectly served by the exterior around the restored fountain.
The second block is under the title Walk into the Void – about mental health. The chosen theme responds to an increasingly perceptible social problem today. The works by Matúš Zajac (SK), Max Kandhola (UK) and Anders Petersen (S) talk not only about the difficult consequences of disability, but also about ageing and the reality of life in a social services home. Our ambition is to evoke a sense of belonging with those who are going through similar problems as the authors’ heroes. The project is complemented by film screenings and discussions with experts on mental health issues.
The largest space is dedicated to the retrospective of Martin Parr, a British photographer, a member of the Magnum group, who for more than 50 years has fundamentally influenced the shape of documentary photography worldwide. Compared to the first presentation in Bratislava almost two decades ago, the current exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of his work, from black and white images from the 1970s to commenting on the fashion of selfies from 2015.
Traditionally, this year’s edition is also complemented by accompanying events – a photography book competition, workshops, discussions, masterclasses, and exhibitions in Budapest, Vienna and Berlin.
Václav Macek, festival director
See the complete programme of the Month of Photography in Slovak and English
Tickets for 15€ are valid for the House of Art, Central European House of Photography, Bratislava City Gallery, Slovak Art Union (Umelka). It is important that you scan your season ticket first time when visiting exhibitions at the House of Art.
