Dazzling Displays and Workshops Await
This September 22nd, the grand Foto Veritas 2023 National Photography Festival (FV23) kicks off, boasting workshops, insightful talks, guided tours, and the display of 58 outstanding photographic pieces by 49 gifted Costa Rican artists.
Setting the Scene: Venue and Duration
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Sendero Escalante Gallery in San José, opposite the Lolita Garden, the festival’s inauguration begins at 6 p.m. and runs for a month until October 27th.
For Sale: A Visual Feast
Every piece on display is available for purchase, facilitated by the Photography Students Association of LCI Veritas University, the event’s organizers.
Curated by the Best: Andrés Murillo Takes Charge
Esteemed visual artist Andrés Murillo, recipient of the “new media” award at the 2022 National Visual Arts Salon and with numerous solo and collective exhibitions under his belt, is at the helm of curating the festival.
Workshop Highlight: Nature Narrates
A standout workshop titled “Nature Telling Stories” delves into the creative non-fiction realm, narrating tales intertwined with ecology and spirituality. Conducted at Veritas University, it spans four theoretical-practical sessions.
Join In: Guided Tours and Bookings
Mark your calendars for guided visits on September 30th, October 7th, 11th, and 21st. Booking your spot is as simple as reaching out to the student association’s social media channels.
Awards Night: Celebrating the Best
On the inaugural evening, the festival’s top three talents will be honored, showcasing unique photographs, diptychs, triptychs, or photo essays. The first prize promises an exclusive exhibition, curated in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MADC), slated for the latter half of 2024. Second place boasts a solo display at the F de Imagen Gallery in Barrio Amón, San José. Meanwhile, the third-place winner will be awarded sponsor gifts.
Additionally, participants vie for four scholarships to print or produce photographic pieces, each valued at ¢50,000. Two of these are dedicated to Veritas University students, while the remaining two are open for public application.
Jury Line-Up: Selecting the Crème de la Crème
Photographer Lingie Granados, visual artist Emmanuel Rodríguez, and a member of MADC’s curatorial team form the esteemed panel judging the entries. Their criteria? The coherence, technical prowess, and formal and conceptual quality of the pieces.
In comparison to the 149 entries from 29 local artists in 2022, FV23 received 174 submissions from 103 artists, though the exhibition was narrowed down to feature 58 pieces by 49 national photographers.
