#massisolationFORMAT: Behind the Project

Join FORMAT Director, Louise Fedotov-Clements and FORMAT Coordinator, Niamh Treacy as they discuss the #massisolationFORMAT project a year on from it's realistation.

Followed by an exhibition tour of the FORMAT21 #massisolationFORMAT exhibition in New Art City, led by Janine Derbyshire from Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Helen Marshall from The People's Picture who have conceived and created four ambitious giant photo mosaic conceptions for FORMAT21: an online interactive 180 giga pixel zoomable image; an online multiplayer exhibition; a giant public space vinyl print installation at QUAD in Derby and a physical exhibition featuring curated friezes at Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

The #massisolationFORMAT project was launched by QUAD and FORMAT International Photography Festival in mid-March 2020, just 3 days before the UK entered its first lockdown. Since then we have been inviting all image makers from around the world to participate in documenting the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, charting the time before, after and during the lockdowns.

To date we have received over 40,000 submissions from 90+ countries which has allowed us to see both the unity and diversity in the experience of this global event. From rainbows in windows supporting NHS workers in the UK to the striking and obscure self-portraits made with limited resources, to front-line staff fighting the virus in hospitals in Iran. The images we have received have been humorous, shocking and absolutely moving. It is too soon to understand the impact and trauma of this pandemic, these are certainly challenging times, but what is clear is that this is an important moment in history that had to be documented.

For FORMAT21 we are working with The People's Picture - Helen Marshall, to create large-scale digital interactive presentations together with FORMAT Louise Fedotov-Clements, Niamh Treacy and Debbie Cooper; New Art City; Janine Derbyshire, Jonny Hill, Laura Phillips, Derby Museum and Art Gallery; Paul Lowe, Brigitte Lardinois, Oisín Davies, LCC/Photography and the Archive Research Centre to select images and series to feature in our exhibitions, in an online archive, online galleries and a large scale public artwork wrapping QUAD in thousands of photographs. Visitors to the online gallery will be able to zoom into the individual photos and explore each of the contributions.

This talk will take place via zoom. A link to join will be sent to all registered attendees before the event.

FORMAT21 will run from 12 March - 11 April 2021

Head to our website to find out about our other events, performances, artist talks, workshops and more.

www.formatfestival.com