art

Distructure Opening Night

November 14, 2014 in Art, Black & White, Exhibition, Fine Art Photography, New York

I was grateful for my work to be a part of the Dis*truct*ure exhibition this week at Con Artist Gallery in the Lower East Side of NYC. "Con Artist presents Dis•truct•ure, a show that explores the fragility of existence and the disturbances of an earthly mortality, as well as the transcendence of it, by examining themes of pattern, repetition, mutation, ritual, and spirituality surrounding the natural decay caused by disease. Examination of these themes not only helps to cope with the suffering that can be brought by disease, but also allows us to be hopeful and celebrate the tenacity of cycles and life in all of its forms. Featuring work from artists: Marianna Peragallo, She Is Honey Brown, Ikuko H, Josef Pinlac, Carol McLennan, Christopher Tandy, Anna Fawcus, Scott Andrews, Bree Rubin, MOR, Zaria Poem, Judy Choi, Jessica Patrick, Flavia D’Urso, Gertrude Berg."

Dates November 12th - November 19th 2014 11.12.2014 Wednesday 7 to 11 /// Opening Party 11.19.2014 Wednesday 7 to 11 /// Closing Party

Thanks to Con Artist Gallery for the photos!

5 plus 5 Exhibition; Opening Night

October 29, 2014 in Art, Exhibition, Fine Art Photography, Leica, Photography, Photojournalism, Spain

Last night was the opening night for 5 PLUS 5 at the Altamira Palace Gallery, IED Madrid. I was grateful to be invited to be a part of this exhibition that showcases the work of ten emerging photographic artists, curated by Moritz Neumüller; Five photographers who are based in the British Midlands and five who are based in Madrid. The selected artists are; David Sheperd, Dean O’Brien, Lauren Spencer, Nicola Onions and Oscar Parasiego, and from Madrid; Angela Losa, Anna Fawcus, Eoin Moylan, Inge Trienekens, and Juan Pablo Fassi. The projects shown in this exhibition orbit around themes such as memory, identity, space, the human condition and eternal subjects in the field of photographic creation. All the emerging practitioners selected to take part in this exhibition exchange use highly contemporary language and represent a new generation of globally connected artists that use the camera as one of many technological tools for image creation. For those who missed the opening, the exhibition will run from October 28th to November 14th at:

Altamira Palace Gallery

IED Madrid

Calle Larra 14

28004 Madrid

5 plus 5 will also be exhibited at The Photographers’ Wall, Library of Birmingham in Spring 2015.

Here are a few images from the opening night:

5 plus 5 Exhibition; Exhibition Preparations in Madrid

October 27, 2014 in Art, Exhibition, Leica, Photography, Spain

Today the preparations for 5 PLUS 5 exhibition were taking place in Madrid, for the opening night this week on Tuesday October 28th at the Altamira Palace Gallery, IED Madrid. My work has been selected to be included in this show in Madrid and Birmingham. The group show features 10 photographic artists, 5 based in Madrid and 5 based in the British Midlands. The selected artists are; David Sheperd, Dean O’Brien, Lauren Spencer, Nicola Onions and Oscar Parasiego, and from Madrid; Angela Losa, Anna Fawcus, Eoin Moylan, Inge Trienekens, and Juan Pablo Fassi. Moritz Neumüller (Linz, Austria, 1972) is the curator. The projects shown in this exhibition orbit around themes such as memory, identity, space, the human condition and eternal subjects in the field of photographic creation. All the emerging practitioners selected to take part in this exhibition exchange use highly contemporary language and represent a new generation of globally connected artists that use the camera as one of many technological tools for image creation.

Here's a few of the images of the exhibition preparations:

5 plus 5 Exhibition; Invitation

October 25, 2014 in Art, Exhibition, Fine Art Photography, Photography

5 plus 5 Exhibition; Printing in Madrid

October 16, 2014 in Art, Exhibition, Photography, Spain

Earlier this year, I was invited to take part in 5 PLUS 5 - an exhibition that showcases the work of ten emerging photographic artists; Five photographers who are based in the British Midlands and five who are based in Madrid. The selected artists are; David Sheperd, Dean O’Brien, Lauren Spencer, Nicola Onions and Oscar Parasiego, and from Madrid; Angela Losa, Anna Fawcus, Eoin Moylan, Inge Trienekens, and Juan Pablo Fassi. Moritz Neumüller (Linz, Austria, 1972) is the curator. Neumüller is interested in contemporary work by photographers and media artists from around the world, especially documentary, social and conceptual. The projects shown in this exhibition orbit around themes such as memory, identity, space, the human condition and eternal subjects in the field of photographic creation. All the emerging practitioners selected to take part in this exhibition exchange use highly contemporary language and represent a new generation of globally connected artists that use the camera as one of many technological tools for image creation.

5 plus 5 will be exhibited at the Altamira Palace Gallery, IED Madrid in November 2014 and at The Photographers’ Wall, Library of Birmingham in Spring 2015.

Yesterday, we went to the printers in Madrid to start printing the work for the Madrid part of the exhibition. Here are a few photographs from the morning, with a sneak preview of some of the images that will be shown:

The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards in Malaga

September 19, 2014 in Art, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Exhibition, Photography, Photojournalism, Social Documentary, Spain, Thailand

I arrived in Malaga yesterday to attend the opening night of The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards. One of my photographs, 'In The Corner' from the series of work 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' was an award winner in the Pollux Awards earlier this year, and was selected to be included in this exhibition. With 54 photographers from 17 countries attending the opening night, it was a huge event, with some incredible talent. I would like to thank the Museo del Patrimonio Municipal for hosting this event, and all of the organizers from WPGA who did such a fantastic job in making this exhibition possible, with special thanks to Julio Hardy.

SPACE | DIVIDED Exhibition Opening Night

January 30, 2014 in Art, Exhibition, Leica, New York, Photography

Last night was the opening of the exhibition SPACE : DIVIDED, which featured my photographs as a part of this group show. Here is a little information about the exhibition which will be on until 02.05.2014, and some photographs from last night: 'Our culture is full of real and imagined divisions. The human desire for definition creates social, geographic, and structural boundaries that divide us. Breaking out of the white, cubed, confined space of a traditional gallery is the infatuation of many a contemporary artist, while others have discovered that constriction fosters creativity.'

Con Artist presents SPACE | DIVIDED, an exhibition of conscious and unconscious separations. Artists draw lines in the sand as they explore the aesthetic and psychological power of split space. They peek through holes in the wall to better understand the polarity of a space divided and capture the intensity of attracting opposites. Featuring work from 4 NYC artists and photographers.

AT: Con Artist Ludlow Gallery, 119 Ludlow St. Tuesday - Saturday 11am to 6pm

Gallery Night Parties 01.29.2014 Wednesday 8 til late /// Opening Party 02.05.2014 Wednesday 8 til late /// Closing Party

All photographs © Anna Fawcus 2014

2013: My year in photos

January 06, 2014 in Art, Leica, NGO Photography, Photography, Photojournalism, Social Documentary

2013 was a busy year for me. I was based in New York City for the year, with photographic assignments and travel taking me to Thailand, India, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Haiti, UK, Australia & New Zealand. I was involved in many exhibitions; with solo shows in New York City and Australia, and group shows at various galleries in New York, and at Art Basel in Miami. I would like to share a few shots from the year:

'In the Corner', Rawai, Thailand, 2013

Con Artist, LES, New York, USA 2013

Artibonite, Haiti, 2013

Zimbabwe, 2013

Cock Fight, Rawai, Thailand, 2013

Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2013

Afar region, Ethiopia, 2013

Afar, Ethiopia, 2013

For me, 2014 has begun in New Zealand, with plans to visit Vanuatu next week, before returning to New York. I then plan to move to Madrid, and be based there for the year. Thanks for your support in 2013 and I look forward to sharing photos and stories with you over the coming year.

Members Only Exhibition: Opening Night @ CultureFix NYC

October 06, 2013 in Art, Exhibition, New York, Photography

Members Only opening night at CultureFix was a great success. The show featured artists, including myself, from the Con Artist collective under the curatorial theme of the self nude, and drawing inspiration from the exhibition style of the Academic Salons of 1800’s France. Participating artists include: Nicole Salomon, Elizabeth Knowlton, Lady Millard, Geoff Green, Shaina Aniahs Yang, Cynthia K. Cortes, Matt Smoak, Scott Andrews, Liaizon Wakest, Aprajita Anand, Ryan Wijayaratne, Lisa Hokans, Sarah Wang, Christopher A Quizhpe, Saroj Patel, Julia Pascone, Elke Reva Sudin, Alexandra Darby, Jon Mann, Daniel Lamanna, Sonja Lessley, Ko Smith, Tag Brum, Eric Steginsky, Rebecca Sherman, Miriam Braverman, Miranda Nichol, Michael Sharp, Joseph Pinlac, Maria Petrovskaya, Anna Fawcus, AR+PJ=MDP$$YTAT$, and George Foreman.

Some photos of the opening night of the Members Only Exhibition at CultureFix in NYC:

(photographs supplied by various Con Artist collective members)

Genesis by Sebastião Salgado; Exhibition in London

September 02, 2013 in Art, Exhibition, London, Photography

The Natural History Museum in London currently has a photographic exhibition not to be missed. Genesis by Sebastião Salgado is a powerful collection of images that span across the world, depicting it with stunningly beautiful imagery. Salgado says of the Genesis collection, ‘This has been one of my longest photographic adventures: eight years researching, exploring and celebrating nature’s unspoiled legacy. I have journeyed through 32 countries to rediscover the mountains, deserts and oceans, the animals and peoples that have so far escaped the imprint of modern society. It is a pictorial depiction of the lands and lives of a still pristine planet. I feel Genesis also speaks urgently to our own age by portraying the breathtaking beauty of a lost world that somehow survives. It proclaims: this is what is in peril, this is what we must save.’

Genesis will be on in London from 11th April 2013 until 8th September 2013:

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road

South Kensington

London SW75BD

10am - 5:30pm

£10 adults, £5 child and concession, £27 family. Free for Members

'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' Gallery Night at Circuit of Change

August 12, 2013 in Art, Black & White, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Leica, New York, Photography, Photojournalism

Yesterday was the gallery night for my photographic exhibition 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' at Circuit of Change, in NYC. I did not manage to take many photos of the evening, but have a few to share here. Many thanks to everyone who came and to all who made this such a successful evening, especially to Brian & Alyssa, Jack and Dave.

Closing Party of our Exhibition at Con Artist Gallery in NYC

July 30, 2013 in Art, Black & White, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Exhibition, Leica, New York, Photography

Last night was the closing party of my joint exhibition 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' & 'Haiti', with Giles Clarke at Con Artist Gallery in NYC. Thanks to everyone who came out and made is such a successful and busy night, and a special thanks to Con Artist Gallery, Giles, Lawrence, Brian, Audrey, Oscar and Dave for their work in making it happen. For anyone who missed the show, I will be exhibiting 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' again in New York, at Circuit of Change: Gallery Night August 11th between 5pm - 7pm.

Here's a few photos of the evening:

Con Artist Collective; Artists at work

July 22, 2013 in Art, Leica, New York, Photography

Since coming to New York, I've been working out of an art collective in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, called Con Artist Collective. It's a space where we work together, sharing a studio, and sometimes working together on collaborative projects. I plan on shooting some artist profiles over the coming months of some of the talented people I share this space with, with photo essays and blog posts featuring some of the artists from Con Artist, and giving a little insight into their lives. Over the last week, I've been taking a few photos around the workspace. Laura Tack, Meghan Borah and Eric Triton are the artists at work in the following photographs:

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Artist Meghan Borah

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Artist Laura Tack

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Eric Triton at work

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Time Out Magazine doing a photo shoot of the workspace and artists

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Skulltipus under the stairs made by Dean "The Tin Man" Millien

The Layer Behind: Opening Night at Con Artist

June 12, 2013 in Exhibition, New York

Tonight was the opening night of The Layer Behind at Con Artist Gallery. This group exhibition will run from June 12th until June 26th, curated by Marie Van Eersel and Laura Tack. The artists represented are:

Dean Millien, Cody Oyama, Michael Sharp, Rachael Senchoway, Charles Allen, Go Nakamura, Josef Garibaldi, Natania Frydman, Andrew Birk, Sessa Englund, Laura Tack, Liaizon Wakest.

"All the artists presented share the same quest ; crossing genres and mediums, reaching back to the roots of humanity in order to explore the vast land of the collective mind."

Con Artist

119 Ludlow Street

New York

Opening Night June 12th

Gallery Night June 19th

Closing Night June 26th

New recommendation on LinkedIn from GFI

September 18, 2012 in NGO Photography, Photography, Testimonials

Anna's powerful photographs have allowed GFI to emphasize the very human and individual aspects of the issues we work on. Her images stand alone as works of art, but they also highlight the realities of people living in poverty around the world. Aside from her artistry, Anna is delightful to work with -- she's always responsive, offers great insights and suggestions, and catches things we've missed.

Global Fairness Initiative, September 12, 2012.

If you would like to see this recommendation, and others, please feel free to view my Linkedin profile

How to make bubble bags

April 22, 2012 in Exhibition, Photography, Photography Tutorials

After the 'Barefoot in Ethiopia' exhibition came off the walls of the Hill Smith Gallery in Adelaide, I needed to package the framed photographs, ready to be shipped to their next gallery. I rang several suppliers who make bubble-bags with the intention of buying pre-made bubble bags. There were no suppliers I could find who had a ready made product, although many suppliers were happy to make a custom sized pocket. Unfortunately, their minimum order quantity was mostly between 500 - 1000 units required for one order. I only needed 30 smaller bags (85cm x 65cm) and a few larger bags (115cm x 95cm). Although the unit cost for the bags from the suppliers was only between $3-$4 a bag, I simply didn't want 500+ units.

So, I set out to make my own bubble bags...

It was a relatively easy process, with great results, so I thought I would share the 'how to' knowledge for other photographers and artist out there, who may require smaller numbers of bubble bags for protecting art work.

Before I started, I had read several blog posts that suggested using a hot glue gun, which I purchased and tried, but would definitely not recommend as the best method.

I simply used an iron to melt the two edges together, with a layer of baking paper between the iron and the bubble wrap. I have included some photos of the process and will try to summarize in a step-by-step easy guide:

1. Measure artwork, and cut bubble wrap to the size of the artwork width and twice the length, allowing an extra 5cm for the width on the edges, and an extra 10-15cm for a flap at the top of the bag (flap size will vary depending on size of bag)

2. Fold cut bubble wrap over (so it looks like the bag should with flap sticking out at top), and make sure the edges are lined up straight (I suggest putting a sheet of cardboard or paper underneath to mark where the bubble wrap is placed for the first bag if you are making multiple bags the same size, as further bags can then just be placed on the markings)

3. Place baking paper over the edge of the bubble wrap to be sealed

4. Place a ruler/piece of wood/anything with a long straight edge approx 1cm from the edge over the top of the baking paper

5. Heat iron at top heat, then iron against the long straight edge, going back and forth a couple of times over the baking paper

6. Remove baking paper and repeat on other edge

Participate Now Zanzibar: Maulidi Ya Homu

December 30, 2011 in Africa, Photography, Photojournalism, Tanzania, Zanzibar

In Stone town, Zanzibar, we walked down a narrow alley way as dusk arrived, quickly turning right and up a few concrete steps, where we left our shoes, scattered amongst many others. We were welcomed warmly into the small concrete room, and young boys began to mingle around us, adjusting their white coats and looking for hats that fitted their heads. We sat against the wall in the corner, waiting for the magic to begin, feeling lucky to have received the invite through Kathryn from Participate Now (a local NGO). It was especially magical to hear them for the first time in the setting of their rehearsal room, but equally special to hear them perform outdoors a few days later in their local neighborhood. As the sound began to emerge, it was an experience unlike any other, where the music literally grabbed one’s soul and held onto it for the entire performance. The beats coming from a used paint can lid, combined with traditional instruments and voices like angels was a chilling combination somewhere between song and chanting The ancient Islamic art form of Maulidi ya Homu is an unusual combination, being one of the only prayer groups to incorporate beats into the singing of prayer. They are a group not to be missed. In January 2007, the group traveled to Paris for their first performance in Europe. The group also performs regularly in the Sauti za Busara, an international music festival in Zanzibar.

Maulidi Ya Homu, Zanzibar, 2011

Indian Silks & Saris

December 30, 2009 in India, Photography

On my recent trip to India, I took a few days out from the orphanage where I was staying in West Bengal, and went to visit some other villages. In one of the villages, Nuaptana, I was able to watch the making of saris and silks. Here are a few photos of the Sari making process from this small village: