Six Things to See at Copenhagen Photo Festival 2018

Every year, the Copenhagen Photo Festival presents us with an array of strong arguments as to why photography can’t easily be categorised as a single artistic medium. There are so many kinds of photography; so many ways to take and develop images, to say nothing of the intention or process behind them. The best photographers not only take incredible images, they also make their mark on the medium itself.

This year’s festival, which takes place 7 – 17 June, is focused on “Framing Society, Framing Identity, and Framing Vision.” While there are many great exhibitions being held at Photo City, there are other events taking place around the city.

Here are our recommendations for what to do and see during Copenhagen Photo Festival 2018:

Sara Vighi: Handbook of a Town

Archeologist and photographer Sara Vighi set out to create a photographic guidebook to her Italian hometown of Reggia Emilia. The result is a sly look at the ways in which we individually experience a place versus the narrative of the larger community.

Exhibition: 7th – 17th June
Artist Talk: 10th June, 11:30 am

Photo City – Understationen

Nyborggade 13
2100 København Ø

The International Journalism Project: The Battle for Mosul

Renown war photographers from around the world share images and artefacts from the battle between the Iraqi forces and the self-named Islamic State to capture the Iraqi city of Mosul. This takes place in Photo City’s “container city.” Photographers included are: Jan Grarup (Denmark), Alex Kay Potter (USA), Alessandro Rota (Italy), André Liohn (Norway/Brazil), Andrea DiCenzo (USA), Andrew McConnell (Ireland), Andoni Lubaki (Spain), Charles Thiefaine (France), Gabriel Romero (USA), João Castellano (Brazil), Juan Carlos (El Salvador), Nish Nalbandian (USA), Osie Greenway (USA), Yan Boechat (Brazil) og Quentin Bruno (Belgium)

Exhibition: 7th – 17th June

Photo City – Gasværksgrunden

Sionsgade 5
2100 København Ø

Opening Hours:
Every day 11:00 am am-6:00 pm (13th June only 1:00 – 9:00 pm)

Signe Vilstrup: Transformation

This exhibition showcases a project by Danish fashion photographer Signe Vilstrup. She photographed women and girls in the Kiberia neighborhood of Kenya, all of whom have a story of transformation. It’s a powerful, beautiful, and moving series.

Exhibition: 24 May – 24th June

Reffen

Refshalevej 167
1432 København K

Opening Hours:
Every day 12:00 – 8:00 pm

PABLO ANDRES: WILLIAM FREEMAN – YOU CAN’T HOLD AN ANGEL

This photo series by Chilean artist Pablo Andres explores the dichotomy between expectation and reality when queer asylum seekers in Denmark are confronted with both racism and homophobia in the land they hoped would bring freedom. The story is told through images of William Freeman, a gay asylum seeker who is trying to hold an angel as the angel leaves through the window of the asylum centre. It’s a confronting, scathing, and poetic work.

Exhibition: 1st June – 25th August

CAMP

Thoravej 7
2400 København NV

Opening Hours:
Mon Closed
Tues – Weds + Fri 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Thus Closed
Sat 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Sun Closed

NB: CAMP is also closed the last Friday and Saturday of every month

Pinhole Photo Workshop

Ever wanted to build your own camera? This workshop is all about teaching the underlying principles of photography, while also showing you how to build a pinhole camera out of everyday materials. Photography enthusiasts of all ages and levels are welcome! The workshop is 200 DKK to attend and will be taught by Danish photographer Nikolai Svennevig.

Saturday 9th June
10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Østerbro Bibliotek
Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 19
2100 København Ø

NB: This event is in Danish