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DLSU houses German photo book exhibit

The DLSU Learning Commons, in cooperation with the Goethe Institut Philippinen, formally held the opening ceremony of the exhibition of prized publications lauded with the German Photo Book Award 2013 today at the 6th floor of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall. An art talk entitled “New Philippine Photography,” by professional photographer, travel blogger, and DLSU lecturer Estan Cabigas, followed the said event.

 

On the Goethe-Institute Philippinen

Present at the event was Ana Maria Fresnido, University Library Director, who gave the welcoming remarks in which she expressed her gratitude for the Goethe-Institut (GI) since the German organization chose the Learning Commons as its partner in showcasing the works granted with the Deutscher Fotobuchpreis, or the German Photo Book Award, for 2013. “We hope [that this exhibit] is the first of many partnerships [between DLSU and GI] in the future,” she said.

GI Philippinen Director Dr. Petra Raymond, who was also present, stated in her message that the German Photo Book Award aims to promote and provide information about the German culture. On the DLSU-GI partnership, she commented that they, at GI, were “very proud and honored” to have established ties with the University. She explained, “Universities are our main and constant partners.”

 

On the German Photo Book Award

Alice Paraiso, head librarian at GI Philippinen, explained the mechanics behind the award. For more than 30 years, the Association of Publishers and Booksellers in Germany annually search for photography books which meet their criteria, including photographic quality, aesthetic overall impression, and technical photographic and historic performance.

Three categories make up this award, namely “Gold” and “Silver” from the winners bracket, and “Nominee.” The exhibit features 188 books, with a total of 5 Gold and 17 Silver winner titles.

The exhibit, which will run until August 23, is currently touring Asia, and from the Philippines, its next stop would be Thailand. It is the third time for the Philippines to accommodate the exhibit. The past two exhibits in 2010 and 2011 were housed at the National Library of the Philippines.

 

On Philippine photography

Estan Cabigas, distinguished photographer-blogger, discussed the brief history of photography in the Philippines. He said that Filipinos used photography “to document lives of the people,” and “for propaganda and personal mementos.”

His talk focused on rising Filipino photographers, which he defined as Filipino photographers based in the Philippines, giving prominence to photographers Geloy Concepcion, Geric Cruz, John Javellana, Kat Palasi, Veejay Villafranca, Dennis Rito, and himself.

Althea Gonzales

By Althea Gonzales

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