Photobook Groups Featured in Art New England, January/February 2021

Excerpted from “Zooming In: Exploring the Photobook”, Art New England, January/February 2021

Exploring the Photobook

During the pandemic, art organizations have gone to great lengths to offer virtual programs, workshops, and artist talks. Over the months, many, including myself, have enjoyed the rich experience of attending bi-monthly, free online photobook groups hosted by J. Sybylla Smith, an independent curator, educator, and consultant based in Somerville, MA. Smith was scheduled to offer her first photobook group for local participants at her Union Square studio in early March 2020, yet when COVID-19 shutdowns shattered that plan, she made adjustments to meet virtually on Zoom. Each bi-monthly group focuses on a recent title from a contemporary photographer or editor. The book group debuted with a conversation regarding Sean Hemmerle’s Them and featured both Hemmerle and Cologne-based galleries, Julian Sander.