Print swapping project launched

Sven Hafner is starting an international photographic fine print swap. He writes:

Hi everyone!

I want to invite you to join ThePrintSwap project. Do you like to see real prints of other photographers ? You can go to exhibitions, you can buy prints and books… Why dont exchange prints ? The idea is not really new but we revitalize it here with the tools of the internet.

This is a complete non-commercial project as platform to pair photographers from all over the world every 2–3 months to exchange fine prints.

The idea is not to send trash images (sorry for being so direct) to someone else, you process the image and print in a way as if you would sell it to someone and your (random) partner can appreciate your art skills and craft. Please read more at www.ThePrintSwap.org.

We are still in the startup phase and gathering photographers (around 20 joined at the time I write this).

Check it out at www.ThePrintSwap.org

Timothy Prus’ innovative Photo Swap exhibition/event

From Paul Kuhn Gallery‘s event page:

"Photo Swap, conceived by Timothy Prus of London, England, is a unique exhibition where anyone can be an exhibiting artist and collector at the same time. At minimum 1,000 photographs will be on display and everyone is invited to come in with their own photograph and exchange it for one of the works on the walls. The changing and evolving appearance of the walls will be recorded throughout the month long duration of the exhibition. At the conclusion of the event the traveling PHOTO SWAP will move on to a different venue in a different city with a fresh set of photographs looking for a new home. Other venues planned over the next two years include Prague, China, Photo London, Paris, Ulan Bator, Mexico City and the AGO in Toronto."

What a cool and exciting idea! I find the egalitarian, participatory, and chaotic aspects of this very appealing. Way to go, Mr. Prus! Gets the gears turning about what would be possible online… what would be lost in tactile immediacy and face-to-face interaction could possibly be made up for in broader diversity of participants. Any ideas? Let’s discuss!

The show is currently at Paul Kuhn Gallery, 724 11th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, CA until 18 March, 2006. Watch this page on the official project site, timothyprus.com, for future dates and venues.

Via EV Comp‘s photos of the show and Weblog Wannabe