Six Things to See at Copenhagen Photo Festival 2019

Copenhagen Photo Festival, Denmark’s largest annual festival dedicated to photography, runs from 6 – 16th June this year. Now celebrating ten years, the festival showcases the most interesting, innovative, and socially conscious work to be found in Denmark and across Europe. This year’s festival includes exhibitions, workshops, talks, and parties, all with an eye to what’s happening in contemporary photography.

Here’s what we recommend this year at Copenhagen Photo Festival:

Exhibitions at Carlsberg Byens Galleri & Kunstsalon

There are a few venues that hold multiple exhibitions throughout the festival. Carlsberg Byen used to be the main exhibition hall for Copenhagen Photo Festival, but that’s now moved out to Festivalcentrum at Refshaleøen. Still, the Carlsberg Byen venue is worth checking out for the gorgeous old architecture alone. The exhibitions you can find there include “There is No Release from the Brain Police,” “The Eradicated Skyline,” and group exhibition “Being Human Human Being,” among others. There’s a bit of something for everyone, from experimental work to more traditional imagery.

Thursday 6th – Sunday 16th June
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sat & Sun 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Carlsberg Byens Galleri og Kunstsalon

Pasteursvej 3
1778 København V

Encounters – Nordic Photography Beyond Borders

A collaboration between Nordic artists, curators, and organisations, this exhibition showcases the work of five exciting photographers from across the Nordic countries. The pieces tackle such issues as local effects of globalization, migration, and much more. The concept is to explore the visualization of social engagement; this is sure to be thought-provoking and beautiful.

Friday 7th June – Sunday 11th August

Gallery Opening Hours:
Mon Closed
Tues, Weds & Fri 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Thurs 12:00 – 8:00 pm
Sat & Sun 12:00 – 4:00 pm

Vernissage is Friday 7th June, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Fotografisk Center

Staldgade 16
1699 København V

Guided Tour of Mary Frey – Domestic Rituals/Real Life Dramas

When did we start staging our lives for photographs? It wasn’t the advent of social media; the work of Mary Frey dives into the historical context of staged domestic photography, showcasing the ways in which we’ve been interested in creating images of our own lives since way before Instagram came along. Take a guided tour of this important and fascinating exhibition with Copenhagen Contemporary curator Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen.

Thursday, 13th June
7:30 pm

Flex Room, Copenhagen Contemporary

Refshalevej 173A
1432 København K

Camera Obscura: Pinhole Camera Workshop

Spend a day learning about pinhole cameras: a camera with no lens that instead has only a small aperture and produces a so-called “camera obscura” effect. You’ll get to create your own camera and learn how to produce images alongside photographer Laila Svensgaard. The workshop includes all of the materials to make your camera, paper to print on, the chance to buy further materials after the workshop, and coffee and cake during the day.

Friday, 14th June
1:00 – 7:00 pm

The PHOTOSCOPE

Rigensgade 28
1316 København K

Ticket cost: 1050 DKK

Art Walk, Vesterbro

Enjoy a guided tour of photography exhibitions throughout Vesterbro, including a discussion of how these contemporary works interact with the industrial, historic buildings of the neighborhood. You’ll visit the Fotografisk Center, Galleri Bo Bjerggaard, and Carlsberg Byens Galleri og Kunstsalon.

Saturday, 15th June
2:00 – 4:30 pm

Vesterbro, København

Ticket cost: 50 DKK
Starting point given upon ticket purchase

Auction at Bruun Rasmussen

Want to own some real art, or just see how an art auction works? Come to the Bruun Rasmussen auction of “The Censored Exhibition,” the festival’s biggest group exhibition this year, taking place at Photo City from 6 – 16th June. At the auction, you’ll be able to purchase works from Alex Marchis, Anna Cherednikova, Dieter Schamne, Qian Jin, Sofie Pihl, and many more. This is your chance to snag incredible original work for (potentially) affordable prices!

Sunday, 16th June
5:00 – 6:00 pm