Photography Collectives

Jörg (of venerable fame) posted a post today on photography collectives in Europe (Piece of Cake) and the US (Exposure Project). That got me thinking about starting a collective. Of course, with all these commitments that I already have, am I just going to plunge into yet another project?

And that crazy voice at the back of my head screams, “Why not!?”

This blog has proven itself by linking many photographers in the region to the rest of the world. However, things have been staying kinda staid lately (sorry, it’s my fault, I’m not working hard enough!). Yet the blog has enabled me to befriend photographers from Bangladesh to Bangkok. The best thing is that I have never met many of them in real life. This connectivity could be better leveraged to provide a greater platform for photographers out there. Jörg made a good point that emerging artists sharing resources and working together would have a greater impact than a solitary effort.

The SIPF workshop allowed me to get in touch with other photographers from the region and we definitely had fun on the last night. While sitting at the table (filled with all forms of alcoholic drinks), I was thinking how much I enjoyed the company of these folks, all of us with a commonality binding us together. I was reminded of reading about how Magnum started out through meetings at cafes.

I believe that there are probably some collectives scattered across the region but we’re not hearing or seeing much of them. Perhaps they are contented with showing their work within the local community? Indonesia’s MES65 group is a good example but are there more out there? I’m not sure but do share some links if you know of any group out there that deserves a shout out.

Looking at it from a domestic point of view, I know of several groups of people here who are actively pushing for their art to be seen. 2902 Gallery has been extremely instrumental by organizing SIPF, as well as holding regular exhibitions for new untested talents. But where’s the well-organized collective that I’m talking about? A group that allows members to do more than meeting up and chatting about equipment but tap on the synergy of working as a group towards a common goal?

Of course, I have to view this from a practical point of view (we are very practical people).

Firstly, I foresee clashes of egos, especially within a small group of talented people with very distinctive personalities and thinking. Secondly, money and time has to be invested to make sure that things operate smoothly. And since we are already overburdened with other commitments in life, how likely will this arrangement work? Thirdly, people have to band together because they want to, fueled by an undying passion and desire to see that the endeavor succeeds. Fourthly, I’m thinking that given the current financial crisis, everyone’s gonna be more worried about surviving than actually pursuing a goal as lofty as this (I’m a pessimist). So, without that critical mass, things aren’t really gonna take off.

I’m not sure whether this would take off here but I’m definitely interested in getting something going in the near future. Since school’s just out for me today, I’d be working on a personal project which has been bugging me for the entire month. However, I would be happy to hear from everybody with regards to how this idea may be feasible at all.

I think we need someone with clout and leadership capabilities and someone with exceptional organizing skills to get something going!