Tamar, Where Are You?

Counting down the days until Georgians are called to the polling stations to decide the future direction of their country.

Could only watch yesterdays pro-European demonstration in Tbilisi from afar, but was once again deeply impressed by the great turn-out. In support and counting the days until election day on October 26th, here’s a picture I made earlier this year on May 26th, the Georgian Independence Day.

You can find even more images on my project site Lord of Your Own.

October 26th will be election day in Georgia, and it will be a crucial one. In the lead-up to this day, I will share photos I made during the demonstrations against the so-called Russian Law in Tbilisi earlier this year in May.

Look at this country. Look at these people.

Coming back after a long hibernation with new images and projects, because, even after the first book was published, my quest for Tamar turned into an ongoing story.

Following the award presentation in New York, the Lucie Photo Book Prize 2019 selection is moving on to Los Angeles, where „Tamar, Where Are You?“ and all other finalists and winners are shown in an exhibition at the House of Lucie, „a contemporary photography space presenting rotating exhibitions, lectures, workshops and events“

It is located at the Row DTLA, 777 Alameda Street, #140, Los Angeles, CA 90021 – and in addition to the books you can also see the IPA Annual “Best of Show” Exhibition.

Both exhibitions open on November 15 at 5pm and will be on view until December 1.

Last week was the award ceremony for the Lucie Awards in New York City, including the Lucie Photo Book Prize. And we’re sending our heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the categories  – and of course to all the other finalists. What a pleasure to see our book „Tamar, Where Are You?“ on the list among this wonderful group of photobooks. Thank you again to the jury for chosing our book as one of the finalists and thus introducing the work of all photographers and writers involved to a new audience in NYC.

And a very special thanks to Julia Oetker-Kast and Andy William for supporting us by attending the event – and sending the pictures, so we can see and share our Tamar in NYC.

 

 

Well … this is big. We just received the news that „Tamar, Where Are You?“ was nominated as one of the finalists for the prestigious Lucie Photo Book Prize 2019, in the Independent Prize Category. That in itself feels like a win … what an amazing recognition for the great work of all the artists involved in this project.

So I guess now it’s time to keep our fingers crossed …

 

In light of recent events … two photographs I made in September 2017 while I was accompanying the group Power is in Unity to the occupation line seperating the region of Samachablo (South Ossetia) from Georgia.

According to international law, 20 percent of Georgian state territory is basically still occupied by Russia.

More good news for our book: „Tamar, Where Are You?“ was selected to be part of the Photobook Exhibition at the Indian Photography Festival (IPF) – Hyderabad, starting September 19th, 2019.

The festival is a „Not-For-Profit initiative of Light Craft Foundation, (…) an international photography festival, showcasing a wide range of photography from India and around the globe with a series of events, including talks and discussions, portfolio reviews, book launches, screenings & workshops.“

Needless to say we are very happy to be part of it and are looking forward to introducing our collaborative view on Georgia among this fabulous selection of photobooks.

Image Credit: Sharbendu De / IPF 2018

 

Tomorrow, June 13th, will see the inauguration of the Athens Photo Festival at the Benaki Museum / Pireos 138 in Athens, Greece. There will be an extended exhibition program with a variety of works from all the image-based genres – and a photobook exhibition, recognizing the role of the photobook in contemporary visual culture.

And we’re very happy to hear that our book „Tamar, Where Are You?“ was selected to be part of the show. So if you’re in the area, come and see the book including the phantastic stories by Ana Kordzaia-Samadashvili, Dato Turashvili, Dina Oganova, Giorgi Shengelia, Giorgi Tabliashvili, Guram Tsibakhashvili, Natela Grigalashvili, Tinatin Kiguradze, Vakho Khetaguri and Yuri Mechitov.