Representing the LA Noble Gallery from London, the FIX Photo Festival was established in 2016. Entrance to the festival is free, and it is being held in the exhibition hall of the Menier Gallery, where contemporary works are presented on relevant subjects that refer to social and cultural issues of the year (identity, community, harmony, and environmental consciousness).
Other than an exhibition, the organization makes talks and conducts a photography competition open to any individual from any country of any age.
Akin to some photography workshops that are used for showcasing the photos of both popular and aspiring creators, FIX Photo is focused on providing a platform for emerging photographers to share their images outside of a traditional gallery venue.
Spread out across 4 floors near the Thames, the participants’ photos are exhibited in a monumental building that looks particularly impressive when juxtaposed against a formal white space.
Located in the middle of the cultural center of London, this festival entices new audiences to acquaint themselves with contemporary photography, as the most democratic form of art.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of most events and festivals around the world. The pandemic restrictions have also affected this festival, as people could no longer gather and travel as freely as before. The hosts might have decided that it was too difficult to organize the festival in such conditions.
Hosting a festival requires substantial financial investments in the venue, advertising, staff, and participant fees. Given the unstable economic situation caused by the pandemic, a lot of sponsors might have cut their contracts, which might have made it impossible to fund FIX Photo at the required level.
Even after most of the pandemic restrictions were lifted, logistical problems like securing venues, handling traveling arrangements for photographers and attendees, and guaranteeing health and safety measures were in place have presented insurmountable challenges to organizing the festival. The hosts might have decided that they couldn’t overcome these obstacles efficiently.
The pandemic could have led to a reevaluation of priorities for the hosts. They might have directed their funds and resources at other ideas and projects that felt more promising or relevant in the current conditions.
Laura Noble is the director of the LA Noble Gallery (LANG) and also the curator. This lady is a lecturer who deals with all subjects that range from collection in photography, the challenges and the opportunities of earning a livelihood from this difficult business up to management of the gallery.
Her really efficient not spam blog is read worldwide because Laura is not only providing her opinion but also giving some of her insights on the art world without advertising, only honest reviews. She has also judged photography contests and residency programs many times, pushing the industry of photography ahead from a long time ago.
Another direct way Laura can help make your dream come true is offering professional consultations. In 2016, Laura founded the FIX Photo Festival. She is the author of a number of articles in the magazines Next Level, Foam, Snoecks, and Image.
You can also find her work in the London Independent Photography and Photoicon Magazine.
Theme: FIX Still Life
Judges: Shahidul Alam, Laura Noble, Jennie Ricketts, Manuel Rivera-Ortiz, Yvonne De Rosa
Winners: Rhiannon Adam, Joanna Epstein, Nicolò Sertorio, Roy Mehta
The 2020 edition of the FIX Photo event mesmerized attendees as well as the global audience with its theme focused on 'FIX Still Life', providing an insightful dive into this time-tested photography genre.
Hosted during a turbulent time, “FIX Still Life” took it upon itself to encourage photographers to convey the beauty and tranquil nature of everyday objects in a constantly changing world. Even though the festival was held online, the organizers managed to handpick a diverse collection of images that highlighted the artistry and innovation of still-life photography.
The list of winners included still life photographers whose works masterfully represented the heart of still life, conveying moments of peace, beauty, and introspection. Their photos spoke to the audience, providing insight into the small nuances of mundane life and encouraging viewers to pause and contemplate.
Theme: Exploring the Unseen
Judges: Peggy Sue Amison, Richard Chambury, Jude Hull, Laura Noble
Winners: Shahidul Alam, Alice Jones, Daniel Smith, Sophie Patel, Elena Rodriguez
The 2018 edition of the festival was held at the Menier Street Gallery in Central London, which is right next to the London Bridge.
Arguably the most interesting part of the event was the annual FIX Photo Awards 2018 dedicated to the subject of "Exploring the Unseen". The committee of judges consisted of well-respected experts and popular landscape photographers who diligently reviewed all the submitted works and picked the winners based on their creativity, artistry, and capability to provoke an emotional reaction in the viewer.
The four awards categories were accessible to all photographers regardless of age and country of origin. The contestants could submit up to 4 photos for every category: Year of the Woman, Structure, Connection, Essence.
Theme: Identity, Community, Unity & Harmony and Environment
Judges: Laura Noble, Chris Steele-Perkins, Lottie Davies, Ben Brain
Winners: Chloe Rosser, Caroline Gavazzi
During its second year, FIX Photo focused on reacting to the significant political changes that came about in 2016. The featured photographers decided to oppose the social and cultural divisions of that year by focusing their submissions on the 4 main themes: Identity, Community, Unity & Harmony, and Environment.
Theme: Moments in Time
Judges: Laura Noble, Chris Steele-Perkins, Ben Brain
Winners: Helen Petersen, Sarah Thompson, David Nguyen, Elena Petrov, James Reynolds
"Moments in Time" was the topic of the very first FIX Photo Festival, however, it appeared to be among the most favorite among its visitors and regular participants. I wish I could join it.
Photographers submitted images in all genres, from the street to portraits and macro shots, each with a compelling story and perception of humanity's larger tapestry.
The festival annually collaborates with Schilt Gallery, where they present the works of 4 of their photographers during the festival. In 2016, the festival presented works by Lucia Ganieva, Cig Harvey, Yola Monakhov Stockton, and Edward Thompson.
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