The new wave of photographic talent that has emerged from the ubiquitous culture of images is made up of true digital natives. They have grown up in a world where images are paramount, and they play a crucial role in capturing the essence of freedom, culture, human connection and unity. This generation embodies the delicate balance between the search for a true subjective perspective (ethics) and the creation of the perfect visual expression (aesthetics). With insatiable curiosity and a drive for innovation, they push the narrative and technical boundaries of photography to new levels.
At Rotterdam Photo, we are committed to strengthening this intricate balancing act with a solid foundation – a theme broad enough to invite a variety of independent photographers to participate in our festival, yet clear enough to provide visitors with a cohesive narrative that connects the diverse themes of each creator.
Our theme for the 2025 edition is “Divided/Connected”.
In the wake of half a century of neoliberalism, a new ideology is emerging: commonism. This movement challenges the relentless privatization and commercialization of shared resources and goods, as well as the withholding of scientific knowledge and information. It opposes any form of hierarchical inequality or dominance of one group over another and offers an alternative to watered-down notions of collectivism and social cooperation.
How much are we really willing to share? And how can this be captured visually? Rotterdam Photo attempts to map this new ideological landscape through the lens of contemporary photographers, while considering their critical perspectives on a utopian, commons-oriented society. Can we really define a common good in an open society like ours, or is it just a superficial commitment?
The strong communal bonds of the past have been replaced by weak social ties that are not bound by religious or socialist precepts. But now we face the dystopian reality of ubiquitous connections, where for decades we have been forced to share everything – especially opinions and personal worldviews. The digital and logistical web we have woven is, in this sense, the only authority that knows, organizes and governs everything.
What tools do we have today to live together in a meaningful way? How can this sense of connectedness be shared in a way that everyone appreciates? What technological innovations will help us in this quest?
These pressing questions resonate with today’s visual artists and photographers, inspiring projects that explore (re)discovered familial bonds, identity issues, social and environmental engagement and the role of artificial means in these endeavors. This has led to a seemingly neo-existential movement in photography. It is precisely this movement that Rotterdam Photo wishes to highlight in this year’s Open Project Call.
Application deadline: November 20, 2024