Unseen Photo Fair 2014: Amsterdam

The third edition of Unseen Photo Fair just took place in Amsterdam, blessed by a sunny weather that warmed up the beautiful context of the Westergasfabriek. Unseen, just like the name itself states, focuses on the promotion of undiscovered photography talents as well as unreleased works by established photographers. Together with a selection of over 50 international galleries and publishers, a rich schedule of talks, exhibitions and collateral events confirms the role of Unseen as the unique ‘fair with a festival flair’.

The Netherlands – Unseen, Amsterdam’s international photography fair and festival, returns with a focus on never before seen work, and an extensive festival programme celebrating photography in all its forms. Unseen is proud to introduce the Unseen Premieres, work that has not previously been shown in a gallery, institution or online. Unseen will mark the exclusive debut of this work. A leaflet will be distributed at the fair, indicating the premiering works and including statements of premiering artists. With the leaflet, visitors can tour the more than 60 premiering works spread amongst the 53 gallery stands, giving an overview of the newest of the new. During the late opening of the fair on Friday 19 September, the Unseen Premiere Presentations by exhibiting artists will provide visitors with an exclusive insight into the stories behind some of the works that make their debut at the fair this year.

Actress #4 © Miles Aldridge/Alex Daniels – Reflex Amsterdam

Unseen revealed the first image of the 2014 campaign project in June, made by Italian photographer Lorenzo Vitturi (b. 1980, Venice). More than the traditional single image, the campaign visualises the various stages of Vitturi’s work process. At Unseen, Vitturi will translate the original sculpture into a large-scale installation on the festival grounds, concluding the inspiring collaboration between a multidisciplinary artist and a fair and festival embracing new photography.

The Unseen Living Room, an informal meeting place for the exchange of dialogue and ideas, packs an exciting programme of artist talks and round table and panel discussions from Thursday 18 September to Sunday 21 September. Confirmed speakers include Simon Baker (Curator of Photography and International Art, Tate, London), Matthew Leifheit (Photo Editor at Vice), Thomas Seelig (Curator at Fotomuseum Winterthur) and Hito Steyerl (artist and writer). The Unseen Book Market celebrates the independent publisher, beautiful books and their creators, with more than 60 publishers, including Mörel Books, Self Publish, Be Happy,Goliga and Rorhof, and a programme of performances, discussions and book launches. Visitors can also enjoy unique exhibitions, interactive installations and an array of hand-selected bars and food stands on the festival grounds. Unseen Amsterdam opens on 18th September 2014 and runs till 21st September 2014.