Center Forward 2018

For seven years Center Forward has featured the best images in contemporary photography and photo-based work.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a sense of self in the world of photography. I consider myself a bit of a purist, always in love with images that feel natural and not heavily manipulated. Those photographs always strike me as hardest to produce. Personally, I am always on the lookout for something I’ve never seen before. While making selections, I often found myself in love with ideas I wish I thought of. Imagery that required me to slow down and think about the world given within the frame.

Year after year, Center Forward proves to be a pivotal exhibition, always one of the best photography shows of the year. This year, I am more than honored to co-curate this show with C4FAP’s director Hamidah Glasgow. Jurying a large group show is always a challenge due to the abundance of excellent submissions. Hamidah and I made our initial selections separately, then discussed together for a few weeks to designate the most vital imagery.

Center Forward brings together a exhilarating group of landscape, portrait, and still-life artists. This group of makers is diverse and grand, and I think all of the artworks bring a sense of wonder. Please make sure to follow all of these artists, because they’re making dope work and are all on the way up.

Kris Graves

JURORS | The Center’s Executive Director and Curator Hamidah Glasgow in collaboration with Kris Graves. Graves is a publisher and artist. Kris Graves Projects creates limited edition publications and archival prints, focusing on contemporary photography and works on paper. +KGP focuses on current world issues including race, policy, social awareness, science, feminism, and culture. Graves has reviewed at Photolucida + Fotofest.

ARTIST HONORS AND AWARDS:
 All selected artists’ work is included in the gallery exhibition and online exhibition complete with artist website links. The Center also provides professional installation images, event press release and social media promotions with an audience of 180,000+ followers internationally. All artists and friends are welcome to celebrate the exhibition with us at the Reception.

JUROR’S AWARD:   Aoife Shanahan
JUROR’S 2nd AWARD:   Peter Baker
HONORABLE MENTIONS: All the exhibitors have been given Honorable mentions.
NEW* TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP: Zihui Song is the travel scholoarship recipient.

ARTIST IMMERSION SATURDAY:
 Artists can join us for a one-on-one portfolio reviews with the Juror and our Executive Director. The Center also hosts a private artists-only portfolio share where the artists can show and discuss their work, receive feedback and professional development advice. Exhibiting artists are welcome to join for all or part of the Saturday events. Free for members, $40 for non-members.

IMPORTANT DATES
Exhibition Dates | September 7 – 29, 2018                       Gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday 12 – 6 pm
Public + Artists’ Reception | September 7, 2018

Questions? http://www.c4fap.org | 970.224.1010 | Email coordinator@c4fap.org | Gallery Location is the Downtown Artery, 254 Linden St (Upstairs), Fort Collins, CO 80524