The Lens

Having Drawn Over 1 Million Visitors Since Its 2012 Inception, America’s Largest Photography Biennial Returns to Explore Time and Perspective

(Cincinnati, OH — April 15, 2025) — FotoFocus, the nonprofit arts organization dedicated to creating dialogue between contemporary lens-based art and the history of photography, is pleased to announce the return of the FotoFocus Biennial with its eighth edition: The Long View. Taking place in October 2026, the month-long celebration of lens-based art will consider aspects of time and perspective in photography and film,... Continue reading FotoFocus Announces Theme for 2026 FotoFocus Biennial: The Long View

FotoFocus is pleased to present the Spring 2025 Lecture and Visiting Artist Series with An-My Lê.

Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:30pmCincinnati Art Museum, Fath Auditorium953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202

This event is free and open to the public but registration is kindly requested. A reception will immediately follow the talk in the Marek-Weaver Family Commons.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONSCommunication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will... Continue reading FotoFocus Presents: An-My Lê

The 2024 FotoFocus Biennial: backstories included 107 projects at 86 Participating Venues across Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky—the largest of its kind in America. These projects featured international, national, and regional artists and curators, focusing on stories that are not evident at first glance—offering context for what happened previously or out of view, providing narratives not yet told or presented from a new perspective.

The Biennial Opening Weekend Program featured a keynote lecture, talks and panel discussions with artists, curators, and collaborators, designed to inspire conversations about the world through photography, film,... Continue reading 2024 Biennial Opening Program Video Gallery

The photographer, street artist, activist, and physician’s latest work pays homage to fellow muralist William Rankins, Jr.

FotoFocus is pleased to unveil a newly commissioned portrait mural of artist William Rankins, Jr., by activist, physician, and artist Chip Thomas at the locally beloved restaurant Ollie’s Trolley in the West End near Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati. Presented as part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial: backstories, the mural is an extension of Thomas’ exhibition, Chip Thomas and the Painted Desert Project, which opened September 6,... Continue reading FotoFocus Unveils Public Mural by Chip Thomas as part of the 2024 Biennial

As part of the 2024 Biennial, FotoFocus features Participating Venues in Spotlight Weekends and supplemental DIY Itineraries. Whether you’re looking to dive into emerging artists, explore specific neighborhoods, attend film screenings, or focus on particular themes like identity and difference, the FotoFocus Biennial has something for everyone.

We understand that the Biennial and all associated events can appear overwhelming. With 107 projects at 86 venues, and over 200 programs and events, there is a lot to keep track of. In addition to highlighting... Continue reading Create Your Own Biennial Adventure