Prep the Fringe 2010

In preparation for the Brighton Photo Fringe for the 4th time! This is an extremely busy year and despite most good venues apparently being taken up by the Brighton Photo Biennial, I am trying my luck once again...

I really look forward to seeing Alex Soth's work, however, in the meantime I have the difficult task of finding a space and deciding what work to put up. There is the option of showing work from my 2007 trip to China or to go with my more recent "Unfrastructure" project, which is still ongoing.

There is also a chance to curate some work of Chinese photographers through my good friend Wonder Wang, who is currently undertaking a PHD in Photography at Bolton University and who is involved in the curating of a Chinese photo festival this year. Choices choices choices...

Here a quick insight into the work from China followed by my "Unfrastructure" project:

China: During the study on the MA International Photojournalism course in Dalian I have attempted a few themes, ranging from "housing and estates" to "cityscapes", "seascapes" as well as "landscapes" plus a "Chinese wedding fair" and my favourite "bicycles", somewhat a minority on Chinese roads now!

















Photos © Julia Horbaschk

Unfrastructure: A more conceptual approach. Photographs of structures that I find amusing, silly, unusual or surprising. The work comments on the lack of value or appreciation for long term thinking and nature conservation.

It is based on observations and tries to hint on shared experiences and issues to do with the infrastructural problems on the ground. However, rather then just being critical it is meant to ask questions and engage the audience. Questions such as: why do we often feel paralysed when discovering faults or how can we create change rather then just complain? I hope that the photographs stimulate a discussion about civic engagement.

The themes currently include: nature within the city, property up keeping and the transport and traffic systems within Brighton and Hove/ nearby areas.
















Photos © Julia Horbaschk

I welcome any constructive comments. In particular about which project to carry forward to this year's Photo Fringe.

If you want to take part in the Brighton Photo Fringe contact: info@photofringe.org
Deadline for registration is Monday, 26th July. The next meeting for those who haven't found a space yet or need further advice is on Thursday, 29th July 6-8pm at the Phoenix Gallery red room in Brighton.

If you feel your work relates and you would like to work together please contact me: j.horbaschk@gmail.com

Julia's BTEC National Award students complete photo assignment on "transport"

Please respect the © Copyright

© Connor Barnes

© Melissa Collins

© Kayleigh Blaker

© Katie Harding

©Harry Edwards

© Grace Flynn

© Chloe Ryan

© Sam Bayliss Ibram

© Julia Horbaschk

Facing East (Now and then on Usedom)

In time for the 19th anniversary of Germany's reunification and 20th anniversary of the fall of the Wall, I have put together images and text that bring closer what it feels like to have lived through both: east and west German times. The images are taken whilst producing a travelogue on Usedom.

Photographing closely with the community, I documented with portraits the experiences of some of the area's key residents and with the support of my journalist husband we began investigating the unfolding stories of ownership, identity and belonging.

Click on the images to see a larger version and/or check out the BBC feature gallery here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/8284370.stm









Usedom is an island situated on the Baltic coast. It belongs to the north German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It was a part of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), which was separated from the West for 45 years with the Berlin Wall going up in 1961. Usedom is fascinating as it is partly German, partly Polish, an island split into two countries. The borders have shifted a few times in history each country believing it belongs to them- but that's another story.

Still, Usedom's residents are constantly reminded of their former communist past, many even hold dear a time of community and togetherness, unaffected by the trappings of capitalism.
20 years after the fall of the Wall many stories remain untold.

I hope to return to Usedom to continue the stories of its residents and the area's re-development from being one of the biggest communist social tourism resorts in Europe to a modern holiday destination.

Exhibtition of EMAS/ERF Photo project for refugee (Gateway) pupils

I have been teaching a workshop for refugee pupils at Hove Park School and we have exhibited some of their images at Jubilee Library Brighton during Refugee Week (14th - 20th June 2009).The workshops and exhibition was made possible with the help of Cathy Lyth (Ethnic Minority Achievement Service), John McInnes and Rebecca Deane (support teachers), Aman Jemal (interpreter) and of course "the kids"!

"Refugee Week is a UK wide programme of events, which celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK." (www.refugeeweek.org.uk)

Brighton and Hove City Council have joined into the exhibition with a table and more info about refugee week raising awareness of programs and events in Brighton&Hove.



Here some images by the kids of the things they "like and don't like".

Image by Fatuma

Image by Hussein

Image by Hussein

Image by Habiba


















Image by Boru













Image by Asili









Image by Mohamed













Image by Zeki

"Brighton Photo Friends" in Marie Claire June issue

You can now find the article in the June issue of Marie Claire UK.


















Next to one of my favourite actresses: Kate Winslet!! :-)

Marie Claire UK Photoshoot

Here a little insight into our recent photo shoot with Marie Claire UK and our newly formed "Brighton Photo Friends" group. On the shoot were Picture Editor Melissa, Photographer Andrew and his assistant. Stylist&Make-up team and the girls: Jeanna, Ruth, Agnieszka, Nala, myself and Chloe- and I just couldn't stop snapping....












Ruth is getting groomed...
Whooooohoooo!










Agnieszka too...





















Arriving at the set up shoot.
Everything is ready...













Nala receives final make over touches....













The girls in action



















Perspective from onlookers...
(Photo by: Chloe Rudd)

Brighton &Hove City council gets in touch

Seeing the library exhibition "Labour of Love" Lucy Bryson, Policy and Development Coordinator for Asylum Seekers and Refugees from Brighton & Hove City Council has been in touch to organise an activity for Eastern Europeans in our city.

The exhibition was put on in collaboration with Hannah Mathews for the Brighton Photo Fringe 2008.

If you have any suggestions how they could help you to feel part of the community, please let us know: j.horbaschk@gmail.com or contact Lucy Bryson at Brighton & Hove Council.

The photo project had a nice double page spread in the Argus. To read the full online version click here.