For eleven years the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMPNY) has hosted its annual Fine Art Portfolio Review. For those who don’t know ASMP, we are the largest photographers’ organization in the world. We’ve been around for over 70 years, have 40 chapters nationwide, and over 7,000 members, including many of the worldʼs greatest photographers. A lot of people question the benefit of being a part of organizations like this in this day and age. As an artists, I have found that no matter how advanced technology and the world gets, face to face connection, interaction and being present with the right people is what matters and what makes all the difference for your career. The ASMPNY Fine Art Portfolio review has been that catalyst for artists for the last 11 years.
Our goals are simple; Create an environment of open feedback that artists would not normally get, and create an opportunity to build a community for art world professionals.
On February 23rd, 43 Influential gallerists, curators, collectors, publishers and dealers came together at The Center in the West Village, and volunteered their time to contribute to the careers of over 80 ASMP photographers. they shared feedback, ideas and saw some great work, but most importantly fostered relationships and built a community in a world that seldom provides the space. This year, participants included representatives from: Brain Clamp, Sasha Wolf, Howard Greenberg Gallery, Prince St. Project Space, Front Room Gallery, Alice Austen House Museum, +KRIS GRAVES PROJECTS, Station Independent Projects, NYC, McCaig-Welles Gallery, Fridman Gallery, NYU Kimmel Galleries, Fuchs Projects, Yoshinaga Gallery / Chelsea, Indie Walls, & Art Zealous.
Personally, this event has shaped my life. It has made such a huge difference in my career as an artist today. The people I have shared my work with at the review over the years have had a hand in shaping me as the artist that I am today. The advice and guidance has been invaluable and the friendships I have made, and the exhibition opportunities I’ve gotten have shaped my career. It was an honor to take over producing the event from Susan May Tell (ASMPNY Fine Art Chair) this year. I was blown away by the opportunity to give back and contribute to the community that gave me so much. We are also again thankful, to LO’ for publishing our reviewers selections of their top portfolio from the review, it provides not only an added bonus of the celebration of the great work for our artists but offers the world a unique perspective on what work is being created right now, and what these influential names in NY fine art agree (and disagree) is “great”.
The ASMPNY Fine Art Portfolio Review is a Prints only, Members Only Annual Review.
For more information & to Join ASMP visit ASMPNY.org
Liam Alexander, ASMP NY/ Fine Art Committee
