Photo Frome The Independent Eye

Photo|Frome brings world-class photography to the Southwest of England. With its theme The Independent Eye the inaugural edition celebrates Frome'sbohemian spirit with a curated selection of independent talent. A total 50 artists are presented in solo and group exhibitions across six venues.

Homegrown contributions include a rare chance to see Danny North's celebrity portraits and live shots taken at concerts and festivals around the world. JohnAngerson takes us into space with his unique collages that combine recently discovered archive material with his coverage of the 1996 NASA training program.

Chris Chapman's award-winning black and white photography of Dartmoor life and the Beaford Photographic Archive of rural life and landscape by the late James Ravilious stand in stark contrast to the colourful mix of strangers encountered on the streets of London by Robert Huggins; or to VanessaFairfax-Woods' powerful commentary on women's roles in the home.

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An international perspective is provided by Olga Karlovac who takes us on an atmospheric journey of her Croatian hometown. Hanna-Katrina Jędroszpresents a rare look behind the former Iron Curtain with her series on the European Green Belt. Ukranian-Russian artist Aljoscha works under a pseudonym, his bright sculptures made the reverse journey of many refugeesas they passed mine fields, checkpoints and interrogations to send hope to those unable to leave. The photographs presented at Photo|Frome document their arrival at schools and shelters in war-torn Ukraine.

Other highlights include a collaboration with the Frome Heritage Museum. The current showcase of 'Celebrated Women of Frome' features pioneering documentary photographer Alice Seeley Harris whose photography helped toexpose the human rights abuses in the Congo Free State under the regime of King Leopold II. The exhibition curator, David Lassman, and Photo|Fromecurator Mick Yates review the work from a post-colonial perspective.

Frome is renowned for its flourishing arts and music scene that is celebrated with an annual festival of literature, performance and art. Photo|Frome complements the 10-day community festival with a curated programme of exhibitions, talks and workshops dedicated to the world of photography.

Photo|Frome was co-founded by photographers David Chedgy, Mick Yates,Martin Bax, and Joao Diniz Sanches who all have close links to the area and is supported by a wide range of funding and creative partners from across the region.

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