MONØ founder and black & white photographer Erin Nøir is hosting the Philippine’s first ever black & white photography festival dubbed as MONØMANIA • A Black & White Photofest on 23-24 September 2017 at VETRO in Quezon City. Over 300+ works by local and international black & white image-based artists will be showcased at the two-day affair.
Black and white photography’s history and distinct characteristics in shaping perspectives place it as a universal and timeless art form. With its focus on light, form, composition, and texture, images transform into a compelling interpretation of reality.
Erin believes that black and white “should never be limiting; it’s not just blacks and whites. There are gray areas to it, too.” With a growing number of black & white image-makers in the photographic community, it is high time to put up a dedicated occasion to celebrate the classic genre.
“We have a huge number of Filipino photographers here and overseas but, unfortunately, we rarely have festivals dedicated to photography,” she said. “MONØMANIA aims to somehow bridge this gap. The goal is to gather like-minded image-based artists, and to inspire and learn from one another.”
Some of the activities to look forward to are the following: an exhibition of black & white A3 prints from 100+ photographers displayed at the MONØWALL, curated by Erin Nøir; a collection of black & white photo books and zine for audience’s perusal in MONØlibrary; MONØreels, a compilation of moving images; and slideshows featuring various photography collectives and independent photographers from around the world, such as Aftermath Collective (from Bataan), Cavite Active Photogroup, Filipino Street Photographers, Tala Photo Collective, KLTRD, Xyza Cruz Bacani (Fujifilm Philippines X-Ambassador), Tim Heubeck (Germany), and Jamel Van De Pas (Netherlands), for MONØscreen.
The highlights of the two-day fest will feature a portfolio review and talks graced by renowned image-based artists and leaders in the creative community that include:
- Raena Abella (conceptual photographer), Victor Balanon (painter), Nana Buxani (documentary photographer), Aislinn Chuahiock (founder of Film Folk), Katya Guerrero (founder of artbooks.ph), Quark Henares (filmmaker), Alan Navarra (author & illustrator) and Jason Quibilan
(Shutterspace Studio owner) for MONØreviews, and
- Neil Daza (filmmaker), Christian Tablazon (educator), Edwin Tuyay & Sonny Yabao (photojournalists), and Tatsuo Suzuki (guest street photographer from Japan, Void Tokyo publisher) for MONØlogues.
Japan Foundation, Manila has been instrumental in bringing Tatsuo Suzuki to the Philippines. Moreover, Fujifilm Philippines X-Ambassadors Rommel Bundalian and Niko Villegas will also join the speaker lineup.
Fujifilm Philippines is also supporting MONØMANIA as its major sponsor. Like MONØ, Fujifilm Philippines is known for engaging in community-driven events to help the local photography scene and nurture emerging talents. Furthermore, they are one of the leading providers of monochrome films in different formats, including instant ones. Their latest mirrorless camera series feature the black & white Acros film simulation – a huge help to monochrome lovers.
Aside from the exciting activities mentioned, a black & white film developing workshop will be conducted by Mr. Jojo Colina in partnership with Film Folk and Sunny16 Lab.
Partner merchants Comrade Leather Goods, KLTRD, and Paper Shoot Philippines will be selling their goods. Food and drinks will also be available at the event.
Official FB Event Page for MONØMANIA:
#thisisMONO • #monoXvetro • #monoXfuji
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ABOUT ERIN NØIR
Erin Nøir is a photographer and the founder of independent project MONØ, an up and coming publishing house that will cater to this niche photography community. Formerly, she was the editor-in-chief of Lomography and Frame Zero, studio manager of Thousandfold, and managing consultant & curator of Vetro.
Erin has created a diverse body of work encompassing various subjects with a diaristic approach — evoking an intimate, mysterious disposition that is distinctly hers. Her works have been exhibited and featured in the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Italy, and Malaysia. She has also participated in the following photography programs: Invisible Photographer Asia (mentorship program), Angkor Photo Festival (professional workshops), Kyotographie (masterclass), PHotoESPAÑA (portfolio reviews), and Mt. Rokko International Photo Festival (exhibition).
www.erinn0ir.com • @erinn0ir
