– What inspired the artists to create the ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ project?
– How were the photos for the photo essay selected?
– What is the significance of exhibiting the project in Plovdiv?
– Can people outside of Plovdiv engage with the project in any way?

I. Introduction

‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ is a collaborative project between two Dutch artists, Jannemarein Renout and Mariëlle Videler, in which they explore the beauty and complexity of the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv through the eyes of its residents.

The project consists of a photo essay, which will be exhibited at Plovdiv’s City Art Gallery, featuring a selection of photographs taken by the artists and the people they met during their six-week residency in Plovdiv.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ project, exploring its background, highlights from the residency experience, and the themes and messages that emerge from the photo essay.

We’ll also discuss the impact and legacy of the project, both for the city of Plovdiv and for the broader global community.

II. Background

The ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ project was inspired by the Dutch tradition of the ‘city poet,’ who is tasked with capturing the essence of a city through their poetry. Jannemarein and Mariëlle wanted to take a similar approach with photography, using the medium to showcase Plovdiv’s rich history, diverse culture, and unique character.

Plovdiv was chosen for the project because of its status as the 2019 European Capital of Culture, a designation that brings attention to the city’s cultural offerings and opportunities. The artists hoped that their project would add to this conversation and provide a fresh perspective on what makes Plovdiv special.

III. The Residency Experience

For six weeks, Jannemarein and Mariëlle lived in Plovdiv and immersed themselves in the city’s culture. They stayed in an Airbnb in the Kapana district, a vibrant and artistic part of the city, and spent their days exploring the city, meeting people, and taking photographs.

One of the biggest challenges the artists faced during their residency was the language barrier, as neither of them spoke Bulgarian. However, they found ways to communicate and connect with the locals, relying on body language and Google Translate to bridge the gap.

IV. The Photo Essay

The ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ photo essay features a selection of photographs taken by the artists and the people they met during their residency. The final format of the essay was decided upon after much experimentation and discussion, with the artists eventually settling on a large-scale, interactive installation that invites visitors to engage with the photos in a new way.

Some of the standout photos from the project include a portrait of a local artist in his studio, a group of children playing in a fountain, and a stunning aerial shot of the city at sunset.

V. Themes and Messages

Through the ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ photo essay, a number of themes and messages emerge. First and foremost, the project celebrates the beauty of Plovdiv and its residents. The photographs capture the city’s stunning architecture, vibrant street life, and rich cultural heritage, highlighting the many things that make Plovdiv a special place.

The project also touches on themes of community, connection, and storytelling. By collaborating with local residents, the artists were able to give voice to people who might not otherwise have had a platform to share their stories. In doing so, they created a powerful snapshot of life in Plovdiv in 2019.

VI. Exhibition

The ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ photo essay will be exhibited at Plovdiv’s City Art Gallery starting in September 2019. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the photos in a variety of ways, including through virtual reality and interactive installations.

Exhibiting the project in Plovdiv is significant because it gives the city’s residents a chance to see themselves and their city in a new light. It also brings attention to the important role that art and culture can play in promoting community connection and understanding.

VII. Impact and Legacy

The ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ project has the potential to have a significant impact, both for the city of Plovdiv and for the broader global community. By celebrating the beauty and diversity of Plovdiv, the project promotes a message of cross-cultural understanding and connection.

In the future, Jannemarein and Mariëlle plan to continue their series of ‘city poet’ photography projects, focusing on other cities around the world and using the medium of photography to build bridges between communities.

VIII. Conclusion

The ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ project is a powerful example of the ways in which art and storytelling can bring people together and promote understanding. Through the photo essay, Jannemarein and Mariëlle have created a beautiful tribute to the city of Plovdiv and its residents, showcasing the many things that make it a special place. We encourage readers to visit the exhibition in Plovdiv or engage with the project online.

IX. FAQ

Q: What inspired the artists to create the ‘News From Home – Plovdiv’ project?
A: The project was inspired by the Dutch tradition of the ‘city poet’ and the artists’ desire to use photography to capture the essence of a city.

Q: How were the photos for the photo essay selected?
A: The photos were selected by the artists and the people they met during their residency in Plovdiv.

Q: What is the significance of exhibiting the project in Plovdiv?
A: The exhibition gives the city’s residents a chance to see themselves and their city in a new light and promotes cross-cultural understanding.

Q: Can people outside of Plovdiv engage with the project in any way?
A: Yes, the project will also be available online for people to engage with.