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.


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

Four Lens-Based Shows To See This Fall

Posted on September 1, 2021

The idea of fall arts seasons may feel like a hazy dream from another lifetime, but take heart, dear Queen City: There are several exhibitions in the region you won't want to miss this fall — listed in order of closing date.

RESIDUE, The Carnegie

A group show curated by Maria Seda Reeder, RESIDUE considers the relationship between art and audience — and how that engagement intertwines with, and changes, the work. Or in their words: "While artists act to create... Continue reading Four Lens-Based Shows To See This Fall


In a Year of Uprising, An Open-Air Art Exhibition Heeds the Call

Posted on November 12, 2020

Kennedy Heights Arts Center and Art Beyond Boundaries look to generations of creative talent to respond to systemic racial injustices—and to continue a decades-long demand for change, with art.

"I’m pretty long in the tooth," says Jymi Bolden. "I’ve been around here for a little while." He laughs, sitting outside his Main Street gallery, and continues on. We're talking about the genesis of UPRISING, an exhibition he curated for Kennedy Heights Arts Center in collaboration with Continue reading In a Year of Uprising, An Open-Air Art Exhibition Heeds the Call