Women of Vision accompanies a travelling exhibition of the same title, curated by National Geographic. Both celebrate the work of eleven inspiring female photojournalists, featuring nearly 100 images, ranging from social issues, effects of war, and changes in our natural habitats. Renowned American news journalist, Ann Curry, begins the foreword with words, “Henri Cartier-Bresson, considered … Continue reading Book review — Women of Vision (National Geographic)
The British Life Photography Awards: Portfolio 1 is a catalogue book of the winners and finalists of an inaugural event "to capture and share" the perspectives of photographers from all walks of life. The inspiration for the contest comes from the "amazing democratisation" of photography in the 21st century. Homer Sykes, a self-described documentary photographer … Continue reading Book review — British Life Photography Awards
As part of the Ulster Festival of Art & Design at Ulster University, I dropped in on a 30-minute photobook lab. Inside a pop-up style workspace on the ground floor of the Belfast campus were a few tables strewn with miscellaneous books, magazines and newspapers. The objective was to create your own photobook with these … Continue reading A festival photobook
Art opens up community imagination Peacebuilding and the Arts: An Imagine Belfast Festival discussion by Allan LEONARD 11 March 2015 As part of the Imagine Belfast Festival, the Northern Ireland Foundation and Forum for Cities in Transition hosted a discussion event, “Peacebuilding and the Arts”, which explored how art has progressed peace in Northern Ireland. … Continue reading Art opens up community imagination
“Don’t see migrant community as ‘them and us’”: High Sheriff of Belfast by Allan LEONARD 6 March 2015 At a launch event for a photography exhibition at Belfast City Hall, the High Sheriff of Belfast, Councillor Gareth McKee, told the audience not to see the migrant community in Northern Ireland with a ‘them and us’ … Continue reading “Don’t see migrant community as ‘them and us’”: High Sheriff of Belfast
I have not studied photography formally, but take solace that many of the 100 photographers featured in this thorough volume of the urban landscape and its people have learned their craft from the harsh realities of the street. Nevertheless I may be utterly under-qualified to provide a meaningful critique of this very considered book, The … Continue reading Book review — World Atlas of Street Photography (Jackie Higgins)
National reconciliation: “Patriotism is not enough” A Journey Towards Healing seminar by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 19 February 2015 In the second of a series of seminars organised by Niamh Mental Wellbing, Reverend Dr Gary Mason facilitated a civic engagement in a packed room at Skainos on the Newtownards Road, Belfast. The discussants … Continue reading National reconciliation: “Patriotism is not enough”
Recently my brother asked me where were my favourite photo locations. I don't know if "favourite" is the right word. Photography encompasses many genres, and photojournalists let their curiosity and ambitions take them wherever they're called, whether on assignments or self-motivated journeys. My photography journey started at home, in the rural village in northwest Ohio. I'd … Continue reading My favourite photo locations
Building relationships matter in urban planning: A Landscape Institute lecture by Allan LEONARD for Shared Future News 9 February 2015 Appropriately for his role as Chair of the OFMdFM Committee at the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mike Nesbitt MLA welcomed those in the Long Gallery attending the Landscape Institute lecture on “Building a United Community: Design … Continue reading Building relationships matter in urban planning: A Landscape Institute lecture
God can sanctify photography. With a poem by Pope Leo XIII, Colin Ford explains the basis for how Irish Jesuit Frank Browne acquired a camera from his bishop uncle, at the age of 17, and kept making images throughout his priestly life. Browne took his camera everywhere. His early trips to Europe were the apparent … Continue reading Book review — Frank Browne: A Life through the Lens (David and Edwin DAVISON)
Never use memory (or lack thereof) to justify cruelty: Holocaust Memorial Day 2015 by Allan LEONARD 27 January 2015 For the Holocaust Memorial Day 2015, the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, in cooperation with the Institute of Conflict Research, held a seminar event: “The Ethics of Memory and Community Recovery”. The speakers were Daniel … Continue reading Never use memory (or lack thereof) to justify cruelty: Holocaust Memorial Day 2015
As part of a work group, I went on a Sandy Row Tour, discovering the history and character of this neighbourhood. We began at the well-known mural site at the entrance to Linfield Gardens -- a large example of a re-imaging project. The UFF “Welcome to Sandy Row” has been replaced with a more permanent, … Continue reading Slices of Belfast – A tour of Sandy Row
