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November 23, 2010
via Sherri Cuttler's excellent Photographs Do Not Bend ----Justin James Read in his Photography Collectives in the 21st Century in Ahorn Magazine says that the explosive nature of photo blogging between 2005 and 2009, with it’s interconnected dialogue and enthusiastic spirit, functioned much like a collective as unorganized and seemingly disparate as it was.
This period was an exciting time and helped to connect many young photographers to each other in profound and new ways. For a certain time, almost anyone could start a blog and enter into dialogue with a world of ‘emerging,’ and ‘emerged,’ photographers. While many of these blogs still remain, they have mostly trended towards an insular nature, primarily offering individual views and self-promotion.
It seemed that much of the online discourse, while vital and sincere, also lacked a certain depth and follow through. It appeared to be a critical moment to take the interaction off the web and work toward more tangible connections--to developing a strong community and network of artists and comrades.
One example is Piece of Cake with its European and American branches.
One photographic collective that I know in Australia is the Sydney based Oculi group. Another is the film-based Flickr group known as Melbourne Silver Mine. They have their own website and they have annual exhibitions. I've just become a member.
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