Gideon Mendel, a renowned photographer originally from South Africa, has been honored with the Power of Photography award for his compelling portrayal of the human and physical impacts of climate change through his projects, Drowning World and Burning World. Mendel’s career, which began in 1984 amid the struggle against Apartheid, has evolved to focus on capturing the aftermath of catastrophic floods and wildfires, showcasing the resilience and dignity of affected communities. His work, celebrated for its humanistic approach and detailed observation, has been widely exhibited and awarded, marking him as a significant figure in contemporary documentary photography.

From Apartheid to Climate Change: Mendel’s Journey

Mendel’s photographic journey, initiating in the turbulent times of Apartheid in South Africa, has been marked by a consistent endeavour to intertwine creativity with social commentary. Transitioning from black and white to color photography, his work has significantly contributed to documenting the nuanced human experience within broader environmental and social issues. His first book, A Broken Landscape: HIV and AIDS in Africa, set the stage for his lifelong commitment to storytelling through the lens of empathy and engagement.

Capturing the Climate Crisis

For the past sixteen years, Mendel has shifted his focus towards the global climate crisis, documenting its devastating impacts through the Drowning World and Burning World projects. His immersive environmental portraiture goes beyond mere documentation, inviting viewers to step into the lives of individuals confronting the destruction of their homes and environments. Mendel’s ability to capture the dignity and resilience of his subjects amidst such adversity has been a cornerstone of his work, earning him a place of honor within the photographic community. His exhibitions, including notable displays at Photo London and the Greenpeace stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2023, highlight the urgent narrative of climate change and its disproportionate effect on the world’s poorest populations.

Award-Winning Legacy

Mendel’s dedication to documenting the human face of global issues has not gone unnoticed. His accolades include the prestigious Eugene Smith Award for Humanistic Photography, multiple World Press Photo Awards, and recognition from Amnesty International and Greenpeace. Beyond the awards, Mendel’s work has sparked conversations about the climate emergency, making visible the often-overlooked personal stories within the broader environmental discourse. His nomination for the Prix Pictet in 2015 and 2019 further underscores the impact of his contributions to the field of documentary photography.

Gideon Mendel’s recognition with the Power of Photography award is not just a testament to his individual talent but also an acknowledgment of the critical role of photography in illuminating the pressing issues of our time. Through his lens, Mendel has humanized the statistics of climate change, offering a poignant reminder of the resilience and vulnerability of those at the frontlines of environmental disasters. As we reflect on his body of work, it becomes clear that the power of photography lies in its ability to bear witness, to evoke empathy, and to inspire action in the face of global challenges.

The Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas is set to host a free eclipse photography class from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at the Shiloh Meeting Hall, located at 110 W. Price Ave. in Springdale.

The class, led by the society’s executive chair and award-winning photographer Melissa L. Jones, is designed to teach attendees how to capture the beauty of eclipses with a camera.

The event is open to both PSNWA members and the general public.

Jones, who has over 30 years of experience in the field of photography, including expertise in weather photography, fireworks displays, and architecture, will provide a comprehensive guide to photographing both the upcoming April total solar eclipse and future lunar eclipses.

Jones’ teaching approach aims to offer an engaging and insightful learning experience for participants, regardless of their photography skill level.

Picking up a camera has transformed the lives of many creatives, including Bella Kotak. A student of architecture at the time, Bella found a creative outlet in photography that allowed her to visualize and capture her thoughts and imagination, combining a passion for design and storytelling with a fascination for nature and the human form. 

In her work, Bella draws inspiration from fairy tales and the natural world, and her themes of women’s empowerment, diversity, and culture are woven into her art. Her images tell a story by revealing the hidden beauty in spaces and faces and her skill in crafting magical backdrops for her subjects not only creates aesthetically pleasing images but also conveys a deeper meaning.

Bella is an expert in creative photography and post-processing techniques, and she is renowned for her educational workshops and speaking engagements. Since her early days as a photographer, The Photography Show has been a focal point, helping nurture her creative growth over the years and, this year, she is a speaker at the event. We met up with Bella to discover what we can expect from her presentation in Birmingham and what she is most looking forward to when engaging with the creative community at the show.

Bella Kotak

Bella Kotak is a fine art, fashion and portrait photographer known for her ethereal, feminine, and whimsical style. Her work is heavily influenced by the natural world, fairy tales, and strong feminine characters. Bella grew up in Kenya but is currently based in both the UK and the US, and her work has gained international recognition, featuring in various exhibitions, magazines and art publications. She is also known for her educational workshops and speaking engagements, where she shares her expertise in creative photography and post-processing techniques.

Interview

Choice of camera

Why Bella loves to shoot with a Phase One

“I had an opportunity to use a Phase One camera back in 2016 and completely fell in love with the files from the very beginning. A few years ago, I was invited to be an ambassador for the brand and have been using it ever since to create many of my photography pieces. 

The camera itself forces you to slow down and observe everything for the moment or expression that you want to capture. The dynamic range has come in handy several times and, of course, the quality of the files speaks for itself. They are so beautiful and have an almost film-like texture and allure that I haven’t been able to recreate with any other camera so far.”

Kitbag essentials

Cameras

Lenses

Other gear

• Profoto A1
• Clicbox
• Gels
• Gaffer tape

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From March 4-29, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will become a hub for photography enthusiasts as it hosts an exhibition by Doyne Dodd, showcasing over 50 years of his work. The exhibition, which spans landscapes and architectural photography from Colorado to Arkansas, will be held at the Focus Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art and Design, offering a glimpse into Dodd’s extensive journey in photography. Highlighting this event, a special reception in Dodd’s honor is scheduled for March 7, from 5-7 p.m., where attendees can meet the artist and delve deeper into his photographic world.

A Lifelong Journey Through the Lens

Doyne Dodd’s relationship with photography began in 1948, sparked by a neighbor’s demonstration of film development and printing from negatives. This early exposure led Dodd to not only master the art but also to explore photography as a lifelong hobby rather than a career. Despite his professional detour, Dodd’s passion for capturing moments and scenes through traditional film photography remained undeterred, favoring the tactile experience of the darkroom and the distinct quality of silver gelatin prints. His primary tool, a medium format Hasselblad camera, has been his companion in creating images that adhere to archival standards, ensuring his work’s longevity.

Exploring the Exhibition

The exhibition at UA Little Rock’s Focus Gallery offers visitors an opportunity to explore Dodd’s detailed images of landscapes, buildings, and intriguing surfaces. The collection reveals Dodd’s keen eye for capturing the essence of his subjects, showcasing a range of photographic techniques honed over decades. This event not only highlights Dodd’s contributions to the field of photography but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring photographers and enthusiasts alike, illustrating the depth and breadth achievable through a dedication to the craft.

Visiting Details and Further Information

The UA Little Rock Art Galleries, located in the Windgate Center of Art and Design, welcome visitors to this captivating exhibition free of charge. Gallery hours extend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with additional hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. on Sundays, accommodating a wide range of schedules. Those interested in learning more about the exhibition or Dodd’s photographic journey can reach out to Nathan Larson, the interim art gallery director and curator, for further details.

This exhibition not only celebrates Doyne Dodd’s significant contributions to the world of photography but also emphasizes the enduring appeal of film photography in a digital age. Through his work, Dodd invites viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty and detail of the world around us, captured through the lens of a camera that has been his constant companion for over half a century. As visitors explore Dodd’s photographs, they are reminded of the power of photography to tell stories, evoke emotions, and capture moments in time, making this exhibition a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for the art of photography.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will host a photography exhibition by Doyne Dodd from March 4-29.

The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will be on display in the Focus Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art and Design at UA Little Rock. A reception will be held in Dodd’s honor from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 7, in the Windgate Center.

The exhibition features a collection of photographs of landscapes and buildings from Colorado to Arkansas and detailed images of interesting surfaces of buildings and objects.

Dodd has been taking photographs for more than 50 years. His interest in photography began in 1948 when a neighbor showed him how to develop film and prints from negatives in a darkroom. He has studied with and worked with many other photographers over the years, but venturing into the world of professional photography was never a life goal but a beloved lifelong hobby.

Dodd works with traditional film photography because of his love for the darkroom that began at the age of 14 as well as the unmatched appearance of a silver gelatin print. Most of his photographs have been taken with his medium format Hasselblad camera and processed to archival standards.

The UA Little Rock Art Galleries in the Windgate Center are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, and 2-5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, contact Nathan Larson, interim art gallery director and curator, at 501-916-5104 or nglarson@ualr.edu.