We’re all questioning reality anyway, PHotoESPAÑA 2024 is just putting images to the mindset. 

Marking the centenary of André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto published in 1924, PHotoESPAÑA 2024 exhibit presented by LOEWE and LOEWE FOUNDATION showcase the widespread impact of Surrealism on photography. Curated by María Millán, this exhibition features works from 24 artists and collectives from all over the world, illustrating how Surrealism has enriched photographic forms and aesthetics over the past century.

For more than a decade, LOEWE FOUNDATION has partnered PHotoESPAÑA to explore pioneering 20th century photographers that are “driven by freedom of thought and divergence from conventional morality.”

Over 600 exhibitions have been presented, which have attracted more than half a million visitors each year, making PHotoEspaña the largest cultural event in Spain. PHotoEspaña, the International Festival of Photography and Visual Arts of Madrid, is a photography forum of Spanish and international photographers that began in 1998; artists exhibited in previous years include, Tina Modotti, Minor White, David Wojnarowicz, Hervé Guibert, and George Platt Lynes.

During the aftermath of World War I, people flocked to Surrealism to get away from the struggles of everyday life. Amidst the influence of Freudian psychoanalysis, creatives delved into the realm of dreams and inner desires. This exhibition showcases photography’s pivotal role in distorting reality through techniques such as double exposures, photomontage, and theatrical lighting, offering a reflection on the human psyche.

In the exhibition, an image from Kati Horna’s photography series, Ode to Necrophilia, 1962, showcases an untitled photo of a woman next to a death mask—a visual narrative of a woman grieving the death of a loved one. The white mask propped on the pillows of the empty bed illustrates the tradition of the death mask, in which an imprint of the face of the deceased is made as a memento. 

Lucien Clergue’s Jean Cocteau, Le Testament d’Orphee, 1959, reveals Cocteau as the Poet with painted-on eyes like the performers in ancient Greek theater—capturing Cocteau’s role in the Testament of Orpheus.

Lola Álvarez Bravo’s Eye (1950s) captures the camera at the same time itself is being captured. Bravo has called the camera a “third eye,” eliciting the truth of the photographer’s experience.

As aptly articulated by Lola Álvarez Bravo, this exhibition serves as a gateway into the subconscious depths of each photographer’s dreams and psyche.

PHotoESPAÑA 2024 will be held from May 29th to September 29th in Madrid, Spain.

Lushfoil Photography Sim, a serene photography game built on Unreal Engine 5, is expected to get optional PC VR support following its initial release.

In development by solo developer Matt Newell and to be published by Annapurna Interactive, Lushfoil Photography Sim is designed as a serene walking simulator and photography game that immerses players in beautiful landscapes with a photorealistic style.

Players are equipped with a camera with a range of realistic settings, currently including “shutter speed, ISO, aperture, white balance, and different lens types,” and includes a “learning tool for newcomers that covers the basics of exposure and other settings.”

A demo version of the game was released this week as part of Steam Next Fest. Though the game doesn’t currently support VR, developer Matt Newell has confirmed to Road to VR that PC VR support is planned to be added sometime after the game’s initial release.

Given the game’s emphasis on photorealistic visuals, and its Unreal Engine 5 foundation, the developer doesn’t expect a port to Quest or PSVR 2 to be practical for the game.

Lushfoil Photography Sim’s initial release doesn’t have a firm date yet (officially “coming soon”), and it’s not yet clear how long it will take for the addition of VR support after that.

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – The Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA) will introduce a new exhibit to its collection called “Photography is Art.”

The exhibit will run from June 12 to August 11 at the museum located on the Washington Street campus of Amarillo College.

According to AMoA, this exhibit focuses on how photographers have developed their medium and how art museums have embraced photography.

“Photography is Art” is part of a series of partnerships through the Art Bridges Cohort Program, according to AMoA. The exhibit was originally organized by the Amon Carter Museum of Art and features photographs from Carter’s collection.

For additional exhibit information, click here.

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