APhF Unfolded Chapters Open Call

Unfolded Chapters, representing APhF's annual celebration of photobooks, takes the form of a curated group exhibition anchored in a thematic exploration.

Overview

This initiative stems from APhF's desire to delve into their and your libraries, unearthing older gems that deserve another chance in the spotlight. With the primary goal being to breathe fresh life into previous publications, Unfolded Chapters becomes a narrative journey that invites viewers to rediscover and recontextualize the works encapsulated in each selected publication, thus bridging the past and present in the realm of photobook storytelling. There is no restriction on the release date of the books, the submission is open to new and old releases.

Photobooks will be selected from the open call and the APhF Library, which contains more than 5,500 titles. Applicants can apply with photobooks that they believe respond to the main theme of the exhibition. There is no restriction of the form of the publications, e.g. photobooks, zines, short and/or limited editions, newspaper, handmade, self published etc.

This year’s exhibition as part of Unfolded Chapters is titled Paper Graveyards, which takes its name from the book by Eduardo Cadava.
Paper Graveyards is a generously illustrated training manual for reading images, considering work by Félix Nadar, Roland Barthes, Leon Golub, Nancy Spero, Fazal Sheikh, Susan Meiselas, and others. Cadava delineates different modes of reading that – taking their point of departure from the conviction that the past, present and future are always interwoven – provide us with a ‘training manual’ to understand visual material in the twenty-first century. These generously illustrated essays actively expand our sense of literacy by reconstructing the networks of relations that inhabit the plural worlds of images, and create a critical genealogy of what we still call an image – even when, with each day that passes, our understanding of what this might mean appears to diminish.

Practical Info

APhF invites artists to submit their photobooks that actively expand our sense of literacy by reconstructing the networks of relations within the plural worlds of images. Whether exploring critical genealogies or reimagining the meaning of visual culture, they are eager to receive submissions that challenge and enrich our understanding of what it means to engage with images in today’s world.

Applicants must submit using the online entry form and send 2 copies of their submitted book alongside their submission form, ensuring it is postmarked no later than 30 April 2024. The book needs to be sent to the address: Hellenic Center of Photography, Stratigou Kontouli 3, 117 42 Athens – Greece.
Information required for each photobook submitted are photobook title, photographer name, year of publication, publisher, designer, editor information, short description, short biography, photobook dimensions, number of pages, edition number or print run, photobook dimensions, number of pages, edition number or print run, and image of the photobook cover.

The photobook must be primarily photography-driven, whether in the form of new or archival images. The inclusion of other artistic disciplines is welcome, providing the overall photobook is focused on photography. All photobooks must respond to this year’s theme of Paper Graveyards, with no print run or edition restriction, and no release date restrictions. Entries may only be submitted by the artist, the publisher or a third party with the written consent of the artist or publisher. The selected photobooks cannot be returned after the festival.

Up to 50 selected photobooks will be part of the Paper Graveyards exhibition during APhF, June/July 2024, will be profiled in APhF print catalog, and featured on the APhF website, social media channels and partner press publications. Selected books will be available for the public to purchase during APhF (upon agreement with the publisher and/or artist). All selected artists will receive complimentary entry tickets to APhF:24.

About APhF

Athens Photo Festival (APhF), a leading international biennial event, is dedicated to celebrating photography and visual culture. Ιts programming provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and artistic expression, and engagement with a wide range of photographic practices.

Their program creates a critical context where the impact of the ever-changing visual culture can be raised and discussed. The Festival will showcase the work by both emerging and established photographers from around the world, through its exhibitions and events, with the aim to reflect the diversity of photography of our time.