If you are unfamiliar with socialdocumentary.net you should check them out. The consistent quality of their content and admirable effort goes above and beyond what one typically expects. This is why we're excited about the upcoming exhibit next Tuesday that they and powerHouse Arena, one of our favorite galleries, are launching. The exhibit will directly address the Global Recession and how it has impacted our world with striking photographs and an educational panel discussion, featuring some of the world's most qualified speakers on the subject.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"Crisis & Opportunity: Documenting the Global Recession" Exhibit Opening
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
An Excellent Point Made by Mark Schapiro
Even without an education in finance, the strong point made in this, the conclusion of Mark Schapiro’s article in Harper’s Magazine, has a ring of disheartening truth:
"Indeed, carbon exists as a commodity only through the decisions of politicians and bureaucrats, who determine both the demand, by setting emissions limits, and the supply, by establishing criteria for offsets. It was the United States that sculpted the cap-and-trade system during the Kyoto negotiations, before pulling out of the accord and leaving the rest of the world to implement the scheme. Since then, most of the world’s major political financial and environmental interests have aligned themselves with the idea, because of its potential to generate profits out of adversity and to avoid the difficult economic decisions posed by climate change. Now the Obama Administration and the Democratic Congress – along with most American companies, which see cap-and-trade as the friendliest regulation they could hope for – want to rejoin the world and multiply the market. That market is, in essence, and elaborate shell game, a disappearing act that nicely serves the immediate interests of the world’s governments but fails to meet the challenges of our looming environmental crisis."
Mark Schapiro, Harper’s Magazine, February 2010
The metaphor of the Shell Game seems fitting, conjuring both the feel of deceit and exposing the economic incentives that foster short-term goals. Has the world lost sight of, or rather, does the world understand the long-term goal? Beyond grassroots organizations, it seems so at times.
Earlier we discussed the protests that surrounded the Copenhagen Summit, and what seemed like a large division between the parties involved and their interests. Perhaps that division runs deeper, and that rift might prove to be more detrimental than I had thought. But still, I can’t believe that many international parties don’t have good intentions.
Is that naïve?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
What is America Doing about Energy???
Why are we abdicating leadership on these technologies of the present and most certainly the future??? What is wrong with America? We should be seeing a consortium of energy companies, banks, government and entrepreneurs piercing ahead with solar panels and wind turbines. This should be considered unacceptable by the American electorate and people! Read this NYT article to see what's happening under our noses. I am not writing this as a jingoist, merely as someone who values America's health as a nation and society, wanting to see it continue to lead in positive ways and continue to innovate and create jobs and contribute to the world's betterment.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Promising Azafady Update
Some might remember the Prix Pictet event from the end of last year when Ed was commissioned to do work for Azafady
Yesterday we were alerted to a great report posted on the Azafady website that gives us a peek into what must be an extraordinary experience and I’m sure a equally moving body of work.
Here’s an early look at what to expect from the project:
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Monday, January 18, 2010
"Follow the Money"
Check out this Talking Eyes Media produced short on Oxfam America's website. The 2 minute call-to-action video showcases animations from leftchannel and still photos from Ed Kashi.
Oxfam America
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Antrim Caskey and the upcoming book, "Dragline"
Just before the Climate Summit in Copenhagen last month, we suggested a few specific websites to keep an eye on. The first was about the summit itself, the second was the collaboration of multiple photojournalists to promote climate activism, and the third was a great project by Chad Stevens called “The Coal War”. But there was a fourth.
“Appalachia: A Land and People Under Threat” by Antrim Caskey.
Today, Appalachia Watch, Caskey’s long-term media project on this topic, and Climate Ground Zero, the campaign she primarily works with, announced the upcoming release of Dragline her long awaited photo-book. Dragline will feature 74 pages that document the harsh reality behind the scandal of Mountain Top Removal coal mining that is ravaging the Appalachian Mountains.
We strongly urge you to buy her book, or contribute in any way you can to her and Climate Ground Zero’s cause.
Friday, January 1, 2010
USA Book News
For those interested in getting their books more notice and utilized in other areas besides photography/art/media, check this listing out. My book on the Niger Delta, Curse of the Black Gold, was selected for last year's list and it's easy to submit your book. Check this out. Remember, we must find alternatives ways and worlds to present our work to have a more lasting and expansive impact on the world.....in other words, get out of the "photo ghetto!"....Happy New Year to all! USA Book News
