Rice Farmers in Haiti 2013; Assignment with Oxfam America

November 05, 2013 in Haiti, Leica, NGO Photography, Nikon, Oxfam, Oxfam America, Photography, Photojournalism

I have just returned from a week in the Artibonite region of Haiti where I have been working with Oxfam America to document the rice industry, from the farmers in the fields, through to the mills and markets and even big companies who are buying up large quantities of rice. We spoke with people about all aspects of Haitian rice growing, as well as the USA rice imports and the effect that this has on the local marketplace. I travelled with Kevin Ferguson who will tell the stories of the people we met on this journey, incorporating my photography and video. Keep an eye on this blog for links through to upcoming Oxfam America blog posts, articles and documentary work over the coming weeks.

Rice Farming in Artibonite, Haiti 2013

Working in Zimbabwe with SPANA

October 31, 2013 in Africa, Animal Welfare, Leica, NGO Photography, Nikon, Photography, Photojournalism, SPANA, Zimbabwe

I recently spent a week in Zimbabwe working with SPANA. SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) is a charity for the working animals of the world, with clinics across Africa and the Middle East that treat hundreds of thousands of donkeys, horses, mules, camels and livestock every year. I travelled with the local SPANA mobile veterinary clinc, to the Manicaland Province (some 500km away from Harare), where we camped without luxuries such as electricity. This is what Erick and Andy (the two SPANA veterinarians who I was with) do for at least 2 weeks every month, leaving their families, friends and comforts of home behind so that they can travel to the areas of the country where they are most needed. SPANA provides free veterinary clinics for everyone in these remote communities who wants to come. In many cases, these people would otherwise be very unlikely to have access to this kind of help for their animals. The SPANA staff worked with local VEA's to teach them how to treat the animals, so that they are able to provide assistance in between the mobile clinics visits.

I felt privileged to be involved in documenting the important work that SPANA, and their local partner organizations are doing in Zimbabwe, and wanted to share of few of the photos from the trip:

Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe , 2013

Case studies, stories and more detailed info from the trip will be published over the coming months through the SPANA website, magazine, blog and other media outlets. I will share links on this blog to where the stories end up. For more information on SPANA and their work, have a look at their website.

Members Only Exhibition: Opening Night @ CultureFix NYC

October 06, 2013 in Art, Exhibition, New York, Photography

Members Only opening night at CultureFix was a great success. The show featured artists, including myself, from the Con Artist collective under the curatorial theme of the self nude, and drawing inspiration from the exhibition style of the Academic Salons of 1800’s France. Participating artists include: Nicole Salomon, Elizabeth Knowlton, Lady Millard, Geoff Green, Shaina Aniahs Yang, Cynthia K. Cortes, Matt Smoak, Scott Andrews, Liaizon Wakest, Aprajita Anand, Ryan Wijayaratne, Lisa Hokans, Sarah Wang, Christopher A Quizhpe, Saroj Patel, Julia Pascone, Elke Reva Sudin, Alexandra Darby, Jon Mann, Daniel Lamanna, Sonja Lessley, Ko Smith, Tag Brum, Eric Steginsky, Rebecca Sherman, Miriam Braverman, Miranda Nichol, Michael Sharp, Joseph Pinlac, Maria Petrovskaya, Anna Fawcus, AR+PJ=MDP$$YTAT$, and George Foreman.

Some photos of the opening night of the Members Only Exhibition at CultureFix in NYC:

(photographs supplied by various Con Artist collective members)

Coming Soon: Members Only Exhibition @ CultureFix NYC

September 03, 2013 in Art, Black & White, Exhibition, New York, Photography

One of my photographs will be part of a group exhibition called Members Only at CultureFix in NYC, opening on September 19th, 2013 The exhibition is a group show featuring artists from the Con Artist collective under the curatorial theme of the self nude, and drawing inspiration from the exhibition style of the Academic Salons of 1800’s France. This will undoubtedly be one of this summer’s most stark, genuine, even uncomfortably honest exhibitions. The nude figure is a trope figure in art history, acting as subject and metaphor. For whatever reason we do this: Necessity, Narcissism, a quest for deeper understanding, maybe even boredom...The results are sure to be telling. We Con Artists stand here in the buff, but stand for so much more.

For more info about the show, you can see more on the Con Artist Website or the MembersOnly Tumblr Page or read The Culturefix Interview with Audrey Ryan and Sessa Englund

©Anna Fawcus 2013

'NYC'

A signed limited edition 13" x 20" print on Hahnemule Pearl paper

Members Only

Superchief Gallery at CultureFix 9 Clinton St, NY NY 10002 Dates: September 17 - September 22nd 2013 09.19.2013 Thursday /// Opening Party 6-10pm

Iranian Protest & Hunger Strike at American Embassy in London

September 02, 2013 in Black & White, Leica, Photography, Photojournalism

Today at the American Embassy in London Iranian Protestors gathered for the second day of a protest and hunger strike to bring attention to the massacre of Camp Ashraf residents. Six people are currently on hunger strike, and several are sleeping on site at the American Embassy in London.

For more information:

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-statements/ashraf-liberty/14488-armed-raid-on-ashraf-1

http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/

http://www.maryam-rajavi.com/en/

http://www.irannewsupdate.com/

Photography Training Workshop with The Brooke in London

September 02, 2013 in London, NGO Photography, Photography, Photography Tutorials, The Brooke

I have recently been giving photographic training workshops for a few non-profit organizations, who I normally shoot for. This week I've been in London, and one of the workshops I have been giving over the past few days was with The Brooke. The workshops cover the basics in photography, from teaching local staff about camera settings through to composition and lighting techniques, combined with story-telling and lessons on how to construct case studies. Whilst professional photography is great, it is simply not possible all the time, especially in the field in remote locations where expense and accessibility can be obstacles with having a professional there as often as photography is needed. The Brooke recognize that it is important for their staff in the field to be able to document the day-to-day projects and case studies, and through this training, we work together to better equip them to present compelling photographs of the incredibly important work that the Brooke team are doing around the world. The Brooke is an international animal welfare organisation committed to improving the lives of working horses, donkeys, mules and their owners. To read more about the work that they do, or to view some of the photographs I have taken with them in the past, check out their website.

Genesis by Sebastião Salgado; Exhibition in London

September 02, 2013 in Art, Exhibition, London, Photography

The Natural History Museum in London currently has a photographic exhibition not to be missed. Genesis by Sebastião Salgado is a powerful collection of images that span across the world, depicting it with stunningly beautiful imagery. Salgado says of the Genesis collection, ‘This has been one of my longest photographic adventures: eight years researching, exploring and celebrating nature’s unspoiled legacy. I have journeyed through 32 countries to rediscover the mountains, deserts and oceans, the animals and peoples that have so far escaped the imprint of modern society. It is a pictorial depiction of the lands and lives of a still pristine planet. I feel Genesis also speaks urgently to our own age by portraying the breathtaking beauty of a lost world that somehow survives. It proclaims: this is what is in peril, this is what we must save.’

Genesis will be on in London from 11th April 2013 until 8th September 2013:

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road

South Kensington

London SW75BD

10am - 5:30pm

£10 adults, £5 child and concession, £27 family. Free for Members

Photography Training Workshop in London with SPANA

August 30, 2013 in London, NGO Photography, Photography, Photography Tutorials, SPANA

On this trip to London, I have been involved with presenting a couple of photographic training workshops for NGO's who I shoot for. I was in at the SPANA office this week, teaching the staff the basics of photography, from settings through to composition and lighting techniques. Whilst professional photography has its place, it is simply not practical or possible all the time for any non-profit organization. This is why we have been working together to train their staff for the day-to-day documentation of the incredible work they do across the world. SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) is the charity for the working animals of the world. To learn more about the work that they do, check out their website.

'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' Gallery Night at Circuit of Change

August 12, 2013 in Art, Black & White, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Leica, New York, Photography, Photojournalism

Yesterday was the gallery night for my photographic exhibition 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' at Circuit of Change, in NYC. I did not manage to take many photos of the evening, but have a few to share here. Many thanks to everyone who came and to all who made this such a successful evening, especially to Brian & Alyssa, Jack and Dave.

Closing Party of our Exhibition at Con Artist Gallery in NYC

July 30, 2013 in Art, Black & White, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Exhibition, Leica, New York, Photography

Last night was the closing party of my joint exhibition 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' & 'Haiti', with Giles Clarke at Con Artist Gallery in NYC. Thanks to everyone who came out and made is such a successful and busy night, and a special thanks to Con Artist Gallery, Giles, Lawrence, Brian, Audrey, Oscar and Dave for their work in making it happen. For anyone who missed the show, I will be exhibiting 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' again in New York, at Circuit of Change: Gallery Night August 11th between 5pm - 7pm.

Here's a few photos of the evening:

'Children & The Art Of Eight Limbs'; Featured Exhibition on SocialDocumentary.net

July 24, 2013 in Art, Black & White, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Exhibition, Leica, New York, Photography, Photojournalism

My work 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' has been featured on the home page of SocialDocumentary.net. If you haven't been in NYC to see my current exhibition at Con Artist Gallery over the past couple of weeks, then you can see the exhibition online at SocialDocumentary.net. There will also be a second gallery showing of the work in New York, opening on August 11th at Circuit of Change, I will post more details about this soon.

Here are a just a few of the images that are part of the exhibition:

© Anna Fawcus 2013

"In The Corner"

© Anna Fawcus 2013

"The Ancient Art of Muay Thai Massage"

© Anna Fawcus 2013

"Wash Away My Troubles"

Con Artist Collective; Artists at work

July 22, 2013 in Art, Leica, New York, Photography

Since coming to New York, I've been working out of an art collective in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, called Con Artist Collective. It's a space where we work together, sharing a studio, and sometimes working together on collaborative projects. I plan on shooting some artist profiles over the coming months of some of the talented people I share this space with, with photo essays and blog posts featuring some of the artists from Con Artist, and giving a little insight into their lives. Over the last week, I've been taking a few photos around the workspace. Laura Tack, Meghan Borah and Eric Triton are the artists at work in the following photographs:

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Artist Meghan Borah

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Artist Laura Tack

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Eric Triton at work

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Time Out Magazine doing a photo shoot of the workspace and artists

© Anna Fawcus 2013

Skulltipus under the stairs made by Dean "The Tin Man" Millien

Turkish-Americans protest against Gulen

July 20, 2013 in Black & White, Leica, New York, Photography, Photojournalism

Today, Saturday July 20th, a group of Turkish-American protestors gathered in Union Square in Manhattan, NYC, to protest against Gulen and Gulen Charter Schools. People gathered with Turkish flags, American flags and protest signs, handing out printed information to those who were interested in what it was all about. The opening paragraph of the information being handed out reads: "Stop supporting Gulen owned charter school scheme with your tax money! Are you really fine with this man's cult being responsible for our children's education? Who is Fethulla Gulen? A retired imam from Turkey, in self imposed exile, who considers himself a prophet. He owns hundreds of charter schools, non-profit organizations as well as business networks in America. Gülen portrays himself as a reformist and advocate for tolerance, a catalyst of "moderate Islam." In his country, Turkey, he is one of the most controversial names ever. His cult like movement started in Turkey over 40 years ago and is similar to the one in the US. His critics have been killed or jailed in the past in Turkey (coincidentally?). On the other hand, he is somehow portraying himself as an intellectual, scholar, and educator even though his formal education is limited to five years of elementary school."

Independence Day; July 4th in NYC 2013

July 14, 2013 in Leica, New York, Nikon, Photography

This year I chose to shoot the crowds and fireworks from Manhattan, rather than New Jersey, where I went last year. It was interesting to see a different view point of the same event, however, in terms of getting great photos of the fireworks themselves, I would definitely recommend heading across to Hoboken where the fireworks can be captured with a clear view and the Manhattan skyline behind them. Here are a few photos of the Macy's July 4th fireworks in NYC 2013, from the West side of Manhattan:

New York 2013

Exhibition Opening; 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' & 'Haiti'

July 11, 2013 in Black & White, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Exhibition, Leica, New York, Photography, Photojournalism

Last night was the opening night of my joint show with Giles Clarke, at Con Artist Gallery, NYC. 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' is a series of photographs from my recent time in Thailand, where I spent 6 weeks documenting a group of young Muay Thai boxers. 'Haiti' is a series of work by Giles Clarke, 3 years after the earthquake. The show opened at 8pm and was a great success with a full house for the opening. For those who missed the opening night, there will be a gallery night on Wednesday July 17th, and a closing party on Wednesday July 24th; both myself and Giles will be at there for these nights. 07.10.2013 Wednesday 8 til late /// Opening Party 07.17.2013 Wednesday 8 til late /// Gallery Night 07.24.2013 Wednesday 8 til late /// Closing Party

Con Artist Gallery

119 Ludlow St (downstairs)

New York, NY 10002

www.conartistnyc.com

Exhibition opening night at Con Artist Gallery, NYC

Opening night of 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' and 'Haiti'

Exhibition opening night at Con Artist

Exhibition opening night at Con Artist Gallery, NYC

Exhibition opening night at Con Artist Gallery, NYC

Exhibition opening night of 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' by Anna Fawcus and 'Haiti' by Giles Clarke

Exhibition opening night at Con Artist Gallery

Anna Fawcus and Giles Clarke at the opening of their joint exhibition at Con Artist Gallery in NYC

Preparations for upcoming exhibition at Con Artist

July 08, 2013 in Black & White, Children & The Art of Eight Limbs, Exhibition, Leica, Photography, Thailand

The opening of my joint exhibition with Giles Clarke will be on July 10th at Con Artist Gallery in Manhattan. This social documentary exhibition will be on from July 10th to July 25th, with gallery nights on July 10th, July 17th and July 24th. My series of work is entitled "Children and the Art of Eight Limbs" and the photographs by Giles are from his series "Haiti" Over the past weeks we have been busy with preparations for the show. Here's a few photos of the process from the printers, to the final selections, signing and framing:

At the studio, choosing my final selection before going to print

My final prints on the table at the printers

Giles looks over his photos at the printers

Giles signs his prints, at the framers

Signing my exhibition prints

Measuring up frames before hanging

Dave preparing the wall for hanging

Hanging prints at Con Artist

Fire Sale at Century 21: Evacuation in lower Manhattan

July 02, 2013 in Leica, New York, Photography

Around 3pm today, Fireman started to rush into the large department store, Century 21, in the financial district in lower Manhattan. Initially, shoppers were were not evacuated, whilst fireman came into the store, running a hose down the middle of the store to the fire in the basement. When the smoke started to get bad, the store evacuated all shoppers and staff. Hundreds of people pushed out into the street, and were moved behind police lines as the fireman extinguished the fire and continued working to contain the smoke. The cause of the fire was not given. The store reopened at 5pm.

False Alarm: Drowning at Coney Island

June 15, 2013 in Leica, New York, Photography, Photojournalism

At Coney Island today, June 15 2013, NYPD and FDNY rush to the water in response to a 911 call reporting a drowning person. All swimmers were evacuated from the water as police searched the water, assisted by helicopter and boat. Swimmers were kept out of the water for an extended period, while the police, coast guards and park security scanned the area in search of the drowning victim. With no sign of anyone drowning, the NYPD and FDNY left the water front, and the remaining park security told me that they had to presume it had been a false alarm. Whilst it was a relief that they didn't have to pull a body from the water, he said that they waste a lot of time on prank calls, where real emergencies can take place whilst all of the forces are diverted elsewhere for a non-existent emergency.

The Layer Behind: Opening Night at Con Artist

June 12, 2013 in Exhibition, New York

Tonight was the opening night of The Layer Behind at Con Artist Gallery. This group exhibition will run from June 12th until June 26th, curated by Marie Van Eersel and Laura Tack. The artists represented are:

Dean Millien, Cody Oyama, Michael Sharp, Rachael Senchoway, Charles Allen, Go Nakamura, Josef Garibaldi, Natania Frydman, Andrew Birk, Sessa Englund, Laura Tack, Liaizon Wakest.

"All the artists presented share the same quest ; crossing genres and mediums, reaching back to the roots of humanity in order to explore the vast land of the collective mind."

Con Artist

119 Ludlow Street

New York

Opening Night June 12th

Gallery Night June 19th

Closing Night June 26th

Cock fighting in Thailand

May 21, 2013 in Animal Welfare, Leica, Photography, Thailand

When I was invited to go to the cock fighting with some locals in Thailand, it was a tough decision to make. From a photographic point of view, this was a rare opportunity to photograph what is said to be the world's oldest spectator sport, which is illegal in many parts of the world. On the other hand, the cocks fight until ultimately one of them dies or is critically injured, which as a vegetarian with strong opinions on animal rights and welfare, I knew I would find it very difficult to watch. Putting my personal beliefs aside, I tried to stay objective as I captured it through the lens. The day began with hundreds of owners gathering, to compare and weigh their roosters, and find good fighting pairs amongst the potential candidates. After the selections were made, the cocks that were not selected went back to their cages. The selected animals waited their turn to be put in the ring against their pre-selected opponent to fight, with more than 30 fights arranged. Official bets were placed through the stadium before the fighting began. Once the fighting was in motion, the stadium was alive with noise from the seats, as people frantically placed 'unofficial' bets against one another. A lot of money appeared to be changing hands amongst the noisy exclamations and gestures as people leapt to their feet in order to see the fight better. It was explained to me that the animals would fight until one died or ran away, however, I later discovered that many of the bodies that got carried away were not actually dead. When I went out the back exit of the stadium, the owners were gathered around the bleeding bodies of their prize cocks, stitching up the wounds. The 'fight to the death' rule is not enforced in Thai cock fighting, which creates a make-shift chicken hospital in the dirt, where needles are sterilized in boiling water, and teams of people stitch up the wounded animals.

A large group of men gather outside the cock fighting stadium, where they set up cages and then begin socializing

Men line up their birds in preparation for the cock fights. They need to find a suitable fighting partner for their cock if it is going to fight

Metal spurs (called gaffs) are attached to the leg in the area where the bird's natural spur has been partially removed.

Once the selections have been made, the owners prepare their birds for fighting.

The weight of the birds determines which cocks will be suitable fighting partners.

Official bets are placed at the entrance of the stadium. Unofficial bets continue throughout the cockfight inside the stadium amongst spectators

The cocks fight until the death or serious injury, the fight can also be ended if one bird runs away after being injured

The injured survivors are stitched up out the back entrance of the stadium by their owners, so they may live to see another fight

Working in Zimbabwe with SPANA

Iranian Protest & Hunger Strike at American Embassy in London

Photography Training Workshop with The Brooke in London

Genesis by Sebastião Salgado; Exhibition in London

Photography Training Workshop in London with SPANA

Con Artist Collective; Artists at work

Turkish-Americans protest against Gulen

Independence Day; July 4th in NYC 2013

Exhibition Opening; 'Children & The Art of Eight Limbs' & 'Haiti'

Preparations for upcoming exhibition at Con Artist

Fire Sale at Century 21: Evacuation in lower Manhattan

False Alarm: Drowning at Coney Island

The Layer Behind: Opening Night at Con Artist

Cock fighting in Thailand

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