The Lens

2023 has been an exciting year for FotoFocus. From watching construction progress on the FotoFocus Center, to hosting both the Visiting Lecture and Artist Series and Symposium, and planning for the 2024 Biennial, we managed to keep busy.

So, here we present: Five things that shaped our 2023.

Creative Time and FotoFocus held The Convening, a series of critical dialogues, artist interventions, and performances at various locations across Cincinnati on October 20 & 21, 2023. Featuring artists, critics, curators, and other distinguished guest speakers, the 2023 Symposium was structured loosely around three earth-based thematics—land, waterways, and trees, and brought together national and local artists, activists, and thinkers whose work considers histories of land, particularly American histories that coalesced in the Cincinnati region. A Friday-night welcome event and performance took place at MECCA OTR, which was followed by a full day of discussions held at... Continue reading The Convening Video Gallery

Anissa Lewis is an artist based in Covington, KY and serves as the Executive Director at Wave Pool. FotoFocus interviewed Lewis to learn more about her participation in The Convening and what's coming next.

Anissa R. Lewis is an artist based in Covington, KY. Lewis holds a deep belief in community and identity, and understands that there is power in place, access, and stories. This view has led her to teach, to activate community-based projects, and to make art for... Continue reading Q&A with Anissa Lewis, Artist and Wave Pool Executive Director

Gee Horton is a Cincinnati-based visual artist who explores the complexities of the human form in his art. FotoFocus interviewed Horton to learn more about his participation in The Convening, his art practice, and what's coming next.

Cincinnati-based visual artist Gee Horton, a recipient of ArtsWave’s Truth and Reconciliation grant, pioneered The Baobab Project, an ongoing collaboration designed to provide a platform for Black men to explore their vulnerability while reflecting on their coming-of-age experiences. Horton has garnered recognition through his involvement in HBO’s Insecure and... Continue reading Q&A with Cincinnati-based Visual Artist Gee Horton

The Well has been centering art, writing, and mindfulness through community programs such as the True Body Project and Mindful Music Moments since 2005. FotoFocus interviewed Stacy Sims, Executive Director and Founder, to learn more about the organization and its participation in The Convening this month.

The Well is a Cincinnati-based, national nonprofit providing programs, practices and, connection at the intersection of arts and wellness. Its first program was the True Body Project (TBP), an award-winning, trauma-sensitive... Continue reading Q&A with Executive Director and Founder of The Well