FotoFreo spreads its wings

by Justin Biggar

April 9, 2008

AN American hip hop dancer balanced precariously on his head, Lebanese men standing around in anger after an Israeli air strike, and an Aboriginal family cruising along the red dirt tracks of the Australian outback.

These are just some of the memorable images on display at the internationally-flavoured FotoFreo 2008.    

“It allows photographers the chance to meet and greet with someone renowned in their field,”local photo journalist David Dare Parker said.  Parker has a long history with Fotofreo, serving as both a board member and seminar speaker. 

But more important than the networking opportunities, says parker, is the artistic inspiration provided by the shows.  At its core, Fotofreo exists for photographers, “to inspire and be inspired.”

Fotofreo 2008 is the fourth incarnation of the biennial photographic event. It promises to be the biggest yet, with a large number of artists from both Europe and Asia showcasing their work.

First established in 2002, FotoFreo has grown in size and reputation, and expands outside the bounds of Freo this year. In conjunction with several Perth art galleries, there’ll be shows scattered across the Perth metropolitan area.        

he international focus of the show is an integral part of FotoFreo’s artistic strategy, as the exhibition seeks to take advantage of WA’s geographical and cultural location between Europe and Asia.