Press Release
FERRARA SHOWMAN GALLERY is honored to host the inaugural Manifest exhibition, the first annual exhibition of f/504 Collective member photographers, in conjunction with the New Orleans Photo Alliance’s annual, city-wide festival PhotoNOLA. Manifest showcases the work of 12 photographers from the f/504 community - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to photography, fashion, modeling, and art. This exhibition highlights a selection of images taken at the diversely themed events since its founding in 2021. Past themes have inspired models to style expressive costumes and poses, captured by photographers in unique and conceptually-aligned settings around New Orleans – resulting in compelling portraiture and narrative, fine artworks.
Manifest will be on view from 12 - 21 December with an opening reception on Saturday 14 December from 4-8pm, coinciding with the opening of PhotoNOLA exhibitions across the city for PhotoWALK. Concurrently in the gallery this same evening, f/504 will host their December Photography event Living Art: Bold, Modular Fashion. This unique and interactive photography experience – free and open to all – is an invitation to dress in bold, eye-catching attire that celebrates striking colors, geometric shapes, and unconventional forms. Modular and angular fashion transforms into art with the curated backdrops of FSG and the energy of the vibrant f/504 community; the perfect opportunity to experience f/504 in action.
This exhibition represents the journey of the photographer and model from concept to physical object—transforming Instagram feeds into framed artwork on gallery walls. It celebrates the distinct spaces this organization has utilized, the creative individuals who fill them, and the collaborative spirit which is wrought throughout the making and ongoing life of the artwork. The photographers featured in Manifest are Jeremiah Brown, Patrick Davis, Eric Dominguez, Frank Gelormini, Franck H. Godefroy, Joshua Huval, Leon Ledet, Maya Miller, Joliet Morrill, Joseph Ryan, Tesla Wolf, and Chris Wickline. Each print sold supports the photographer at the beginning of their journey and helps fund f/504’s events and programming. We are incredibly grateful for your support and it allows us to continue offering opportunities that promote collaboration, creativity, and community.
Press Release cont'd
f/504 is a dynamic creative collective committed to fostering the spirit of free and accessible networking and collaborative events. With a passion for providing a platform for individuals to refine their artistic skills, the organization bears a particular focus on photography, digital media, modeling, and fashion. Its mission is to share the love for these creative pursuits in a safe and inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels. As a constantly evolving and expanding community, f/504 continue to engage new creative enthusiasts and collaborators to contribute their skills and ideas to our events.
f/504 hosts photo events, exhibitions, workshops, and seasonal clothing swaps in collaboration with local businesses and arts institutions. Past collaborations have been with the Rook Cafe, Junk Drawer Coffee, Fourth Wall, The Emerald Door, The Roadhouse at Creole Gardens, Hotel Peter and Paul, New Orleans Opera Guild Home, The Contemporary Arts Center, Two Studios, Bywater Wonderland, and FERRARA SHOWMAN GALLERY.
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PhotoNOLA is an annual celebration of photography in New Orleans, produced by the New Orleans Photo Alliance in partnership with museums, galleries, and alternative venues citywide. Showcasing work by photographers near and far, the festival includes exhibitions, workshops, lectures, a portfolio review, gala and more. PhotoNOLA draws hundreds of photography professionals – from across the nation - to the city to partake in a variety of educational programs, and reaches broadly into the local community with exhibitions and events that are largely free and open to the public. PhotoNOLA’s broad range of programming connects and inspires our community through photography. Each December, New Orleans shines as a prime destination for photography collectors, enthusiasts, and professionals in the field.
Established in 2006, PhotoNOLA was conceived during the formative stages of the New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA). With the guidance of New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation’s Don Marshall, photographers created NOPA to serve the needs of the Gulf Coast photographic community. The PhotoNOLA Portfolio Review began in 2007. It quickly grew to attract a national gathering of accomplished photographers who convene to share work with internationally esteemed curators, editors, publishers and gallery owner. By fostering the exchange of art and ideas, it supports the work of emerging and established photographers. The PhotoNOLA Review Prize honors three outstanding portfolios each year. In addition, the PhotoWALK event serves to educate the general public by offering the opportunity to view portfolios and interact directly with participating photographers.
Broad ranging photography exhibitions are on view throughout the month of December, spotlighting diverse applications of the medium. A series of workshops, lectures, and panel discussions further the educational goals of PhotoNOLA.
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For more information, press or sales inquiries please contact Gallery Director Matthew Weldon Showman at 504.343.6827 or matthew@ferrarashowman.com. Please join the conversation with FSG on Facebook (@FerraraShowmanGallery), Twitter (@FerraraShowman), and Instagram (@FerraraShowmanGallery) and @fstop504 / @photonola.festival via the hashtags: #fstop504, #photonola, #FerraraShowmanGallery, and #ArtsDistrictNewOrleans.