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.


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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


2022 FotoFocus Biennial Artist Baseera Khan Wins MTV Reality Competition

Posted on April 18, 2023

2022 FotoFocus Biennial Artist Baseera Khan recently won MTV's reality competition The Exhibit: Finding the Next Great Artist. Khan competed against six other artists for the chance to win a cash prize and a solo exhibition at the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. FotoFocus reached out to Khan to learn more about their experience on the show.

Anyone living in the 21st-century is likely familiar with the cultural phenomenon that is reality television competition. From MTV originals like The Real World and the plethora... Continue reading 2022 FotoFocus Biennial Artist Baseera Khan Wins MTV Reality Competition


FotoFocus Leaves an Impact with the 2022 Biennial

Posted on February 28, 2023

Nearly 200,000 Visitors Attended Largest Edition to Date

FotoFocus, the nonprofit dedicated to championing  photography and lens-based art, is pleased to announce that the 2022 FotoFocus Biennial welcomed over 180,000 visitors to its exhibitions and events across Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton, and Columbus between October 2022 and early 2023. 

The 2022 Biennial featured a record number of nearly 800 artists, curators, and participants, and united the region by examining the relationship between lens-based art and the ever-changing... Continue reading FotoFocus Leaves an Impact with the 2022 Biennial