The Lens

Inhabited: Stories of the Past is a photo-based mural weaving together the narratives of people and place, using a building as its canvas and inspiration. This mural seamlessly integrates archival and contemporary images, capturing the essence of individuals connected to the building's rich history. The fusion of artist-captured perspectives, archival photographs, and community submissions within the mural creates a compelling visual narrative that transcends time, unveiling often-overlooked facets of history. Collected stories from submitted photographs enrich the project, adding layers of depth and context.

Lead artist, Erika NJ Allen, believes the mural is more than a celebration of historical... Continue reading Inhabited: Stories of the Past

The Sidney Project is an archive exhibition of photopolymer prints and other ephemera, resulting in a series of three books that document the architecture, history, and personal stories of the people who have lived at 2878, 2880, and 2930 Sidney Avenue in Camp Washington in Cincinnati, Ohio. A neighborhood that once cultivated a deep sense of community amongst the 21,000 residents during the 1920s and 30s now only has 1,234 people residing there. With much of the residential housing stock demolished as a result of the construction of Interstate 75, parking needs, and general blight, this exhibition focuses on three still-standing structures... Continue reading Lacey Haslam: The Sidney Project

Convening Stories at the Crossroads is a site-specific, outdoor, projection-based public artwork that explores intersecting histories and experiences of place. Working in video and sound, artist Diane Fellows weaves together multiple strands and sources to construct enterable spaces and compelling filmic and sonic narratives. Participation, collaboration, and input from community members creates a collage of stories that moves through the landscape, unearthing moments of friction as well as weaving together past and present, town and gown, and urban and rural experiences in Butler County. 

Images and sound overtake the Performing Arts Quad, home to a public sculpture by Ursula... Continue reading Convening Stories at the Crossroads

Skate Downtown Cincy presents Rollin’ in Rhythm, a group exhibition of street photography, portraiture, and sport videography. Intertwined with the birth of funk music in southwestern Ohio, Cincinnati is home to a vibrant, underground roller skating culture that thrives in two of Cincinnati’s iconic, downtown skating rinks. In these rinks, the act of roller skating, a timeless source of joy and personal freedom, transcends leisure to become a canvas for new art and activism. Through photography and film, eight local artists explore themes surrounding personal expression, resilience, athleticism, and the power of public spaces.

This juried outdoor exhibition invites photographers to go beyond the surface to capture hidden stories that lie behind photographs. Behind the Lens: Unveiling the Unseen Narratives challenges artists to explore the untold stories that shape moments frozen in time. Whether it's the hidden history, the scene just outside the frame, or the untapped depths of a series, this exhibition seeks to shed light on the narratives that breathe life into still images.

The diverse collection of photographs presented in Behind the Lens enrich our understanding of the world beyond what meets the eye and celebrate the power of... Continue reading Behind the Lens: Unveiling the Unseen Narratives