Photoville has become the largest annual photographic event in New York City in just two years. This year it took place in 52 old shipping containers on Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park and involved 265 artists showing off their work through exhibitions, outdoor photo installations, talks, workshops, and multimedia projections.
The work that I found the most interesting was experienced on a two-fold level at Photoville. I was looking for work that was visually engaging and also installed in a way within the containers that showed an innovative approach to use of space.
Trace
Ian Teh’s installation was minimal but powerful in the scale and shape of the work within the stark environment of the container.
In the Car with R
Rafal Milach used a collage-like approach that was more casual in its presentation and experienced more in the form of a personal journal and less sculptural than Ian Teh’s Traces.
How Can I Help?
Saul Robbins had arguably the most interactive space there, where he offered free 15 minute psychotherapy sessions in a space that he created, with one half of the container simulating a therapists’ office.
Dreams in Disguise
Luceo built their container closed with viewing slits at eye level to house a full video loop on one interior wall of their container.
Here In The World
The Instagram double stack, Here In The World, had a mechanically geared roll of prints that stretched the full height of both containers and moved according to the grace of the volunteer that steered the wheel – to imitate the scroll of an Instagram feed. On the outside of the Instagram containers, an enormous, luminous installation of a boldly coloured prism glowed through the night, titled Chromatic Aberration, by James Marshall (above).
The Beauty of the Photo Book
The lectures were also a great part of Photoville that integrated the audience with its exhibitors, allowing open discussion over the more controversial works on display such as Christophe Bangert’s book, War Porn, in Teun van der Heijden’s curated container, The Beauty of the Photo Book.
Alcohol and Reflection
Ultimately though, I ended up spending the most time in the beer garden… Not because of the drinks, but more to do with the strong sense of community that has been fostered at this festival, where new contacts are made, stale contacts are reacquainted and the old camaraderie between photographers and editors can engage in that unique festival mix of banter, intellectual stimuli and industry heckling.
Find out more about Photoville and make sure you head down in 2015.
Check out more of Ying Ang’s work.
You might like

Dalia Al-Dujaili: “When you’re placeless, nature can fill the void”
Babylon, Albion — As her new book publishes, the British-Iraqi author speaks about connecting with the land as a second-generation migrant, plants as symbols of resistance, and being proud of her parents.
Written by: Zahra Onsori

Katie Goh: “I want people to engage with the politics of oranges”
Foreign Fruit — In her new book, the Edinburgh-based writer traces her personal history through the citrus fruit’s global spread, from a village in China to Californian groves. Angela Hui caught up with her to find out more.
Written by: Angela Hui
Meet the hair-raised radicals of Berlin’s noise punk scene
Powertool — In his new zine, George Nebieridze captures moments of loud rage and quiet intimacy of the German capital’s bands, while exploring the intersections between music, community and anti-establishment politics.
Written by: Miss Rosen

The rebellious roots of Cornwall’s surfing scene
100 years of waveriding — Despite past attempts to ban the sport from beaches, surfers have remained as integral, conservationist presences in England’s southwestern tip. A new exhibition in Falmouth traces its long history in the area.
Written by: Ella Glossop

Southbank Centre reveals new series dedicated to East and Southeast Asian arts
ESEA Encounters — Taking place between 17-20 July, there will be a live concert from YMO’s Haruomi Hosono, as well as discussions around Asian literature, stage productions, and a pop-up Japanese Yokimono summer market.
Written by: Zahra Onsori

We are all Mia Khalifa
How humour, therapy and community help Huck's latest cover star control her narrative.
Written by: Alya Mooro