Photo by Jacob Drabik

The Lens

The Lens is the FotoFocus editorial platform, highlighting our programming and featuring in-depth conversations on photography and the moving image drawn from perspectives and insights in our community, throughout our region, and around the globe.


Creative Time and FotoFocus Unite for The Convening in Cincinnati

Posted on July 25, 2023

Weekend of Talks and Performances (October 20 & 21, 2023), Anticipating Charles Gaines’ 2024 The American Manifest Exhibition

Creative Time and FotoFocus are pleased to announce their partnership for The Convening, a special series of public talks and performances in Cincinnati, featuring artists, critics, curators, and other distinguished guest speakers. A welcome event and performance will take place at Mecca OTR on Friday, October 20, 2023, followed by a full day of discussions held at two venues: the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center... Continue reading Creative Time and FotoFocus Unite for The Convening in Cincinnati


Lens-Based Shows To See This Summer

Posted on July 19, 2023

With FotoFocus in a non-Biennial year, you may be wondering how you can get your fix of lens-based shows. The good news? There are several exhibitions in the region you won't want to miss this summer—listed in order of closing date.

Ecologies of Elsewhere, CAC

This group show is curated by Dr. Chandra Frank, an independent curator and Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati, and Dr. Portia Malatjie, Senior Lecturer in Visual Cultures at the University of... Continue reading Lens-Based Shows To See This Summer


Melvin Grier: It Was Always About the Work

Posted on June 15, 2023

With over three decades of experience at The Cincinnati Post and an accomplished career as an independent artist, photographer Melvin Grier (Cincinnati, OH) will open an exhibition at the Weston Art Gallery that serves as an expansive catalog of works that showcase his photographic journey. It Was Always About the Work is on view at the Weston Art Gallery from June 16–August 20, 2023.

Melvin Grier by Samantha Grier Continue reading Melvin Grier: It Was Always About the Work

Mary Mattingly Named 2023 Guggenheim Fellow

Posted on May 9, 2023

2022 FotoFocus Biennial Artist Mary Mattingly was named as a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow and plans to use this opportunity for a project, Shoal, that will utilize waterways common law as a workaround for public land laws. This will increase the accessibility of public food in New York City by continuing to change foraging and growing policy on public land. FotoFocus welcomed Mattingly to Cincinnati in April 2022 for the Telephotography Symposium and pieces from her project Pull were part of the 2022 FotoFocus Curated Exhibition, On The Line.

Continue reading Mary Mattingly Named 2023 Guggenheim Fellow

FotoFocus Announces 2024 Biennial Theme

Posted on April 25, 2023

America’s Largest Photography Biennial Explores All Aspects of Stories Existing Outside the Frame

FotoFocus, the nonprofit arts organization championing photography and lens-based art, is pleased to announce the theme of the seventh edition of its FotoFocus Biennial is backstories. Held in October 2024, this edition will strive to uncover stories told through photography that may not be evident upon first glance. 

FotoFocus will welcome global artists, curators, critics, educators, and regional visitors to experience and participate in exhibitions, talks, performances, screenings,... Continue reading FotoFocus Announces 2024 Biennial Theme