What to catch at this year’s Tbilisi Photo Festival
- Text by HUCK HQ
Tomorrow, the Tbilisi Photo Festival – the only event of its kind in south Caucasus – returns for the eighth consecutive year. Dubbed as a creative “meeting ground” between the east and west, the week-long festival draws photographers from across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
This year’s theme is “fashion,” and the lineup is probably the most provocative and diverse yet. From the daring to the seductive, organisers are hoping to emphasise “all existing connections between fashion, the tradition of identity representation, ideology and the photographic image.”
Representing Europe, there’s Guy Bourdin and Vivianne Sassen – two artists who have rewritten the rules of fashion photography. The former, seen as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, is known for his surreal, enigmatic portraits. The latter, a breakout star of the 21st, is known for her daring, conceptual compositions. Both will be heading up the festival with their own shows.
© The Guy Bourdin Estate, 2017. Courtesy of Art + Commerce, 2017
De La Mar , 2010 © Viviane Sassen. In And Out Of Fashion.
A group show, called Identities, will bring together work from across the east and west. The collection, which consists mostly of “found” images, will look at the way personal identity is portrayed through photography, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. The show will include 1970s studio portraits from Indian photographer Suresh Punjabi, and Thomas Dworzak’s acclaimed Taliban portrait series. Never-before-seen fashion spreads from pre-Islamic revolution Iran will also feature.
Iranian Photo Studio of pre-Islamic revolution. Collection of Shadi Ghadirian.
Taliban. Collection of Thomas Dworzak/Magnum Photos
The festival will also host the first exhibition of Thomas Dworzak’s Russian Journal Revisited – a reinterpretation of John Steinbeck’s 1947 tour of the USSR. The trip saw the author visit Georgia, Ukraine and Russia shortly after the second world war, alongside Magnum agency co-founder Robert Capa.
Other highlights include a tribute to the late American photojournalist Stanley Greene, a selection of open-air night screenings, and a celebration of Magnum’s 70th anniversary. The full schedule can be seen on the festival’s official website.
Identities. Easter Germany Fashion Photo. Gunter Roubitzc. 1960-80. AKG Images
Identities. Suhag Studio. Images by Suresh Punjabi. 1970-80
Identities. Bikini Collection. The trophy Collection of Soviet Soldier. 1953
Identities. Suhag Studio. Images by Suresh Punjabi. 1970-80
Iranian Photo Studio of pre-Islamic revolution. Collection of Shadi Ghadirian.
Taliban. Collection of Thomas Dworzak/Magnum Photos
Identities. Bikini Collection. The trophy Collection of Soviet Soldier. 1953
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Celebrating the art of making out on tour with Tove Lo
The Kiss Book — In the wake of the pandemic, photographer Kenny Laubbacher travelled around several countries with the Swedish pop star, capturing the joy and desire of kissing fans.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
A luminous portrait of Black life over six decades
Shared Memories — As staff photographer for The New York Times, Chester Higgins captured Black culture and spiritual connection like no other. A new exhibition celebrates his life and impact.
Written by: Miss Rosen
An intimate window into New York’s ’70s lesbian scene
We Others — An exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery combines Donna Gottschalk’s unearthed photographs of LGBTQ+ activists and friends, along with Hélène Gianneccini’s written histories.
Written by: Miss Rosen
A tender portrait of life and ritual from Mexico City’s streets
Órale — For the last six years of his life, photographer, collector and designer Michel Hurst documented death rituals, street life and religious pageantry in contemporary Mexico. A new monograph showcases his work.
Written by: Roxana Diba
