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PhotoWork Foundation

Melissa Catanese

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha sits down with Melissa Catanese—photographer, publisher, and educator. They dive into Melissa’s array of book projects, including her 2023 release, “The Lottery” (The Ice Plant), inspired by Shirley Jackson’s classic tale, perfectly resonating with today’s uncertain world. They also have an honest and in-depth conversation about Melissa’s life in photography, her commitment to pursuing her diverse artistic interests, and her innovative approaches to making a living as an artist.

Gregory Halpern

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha has a warm and deeply personal conversation with photographer Gregory Halpern. They discuss his latest book, “King, Queen, Knave,” published by MACK, and also revisit “ZZYZX,” the 2016 monograph that significantly elevated Greg’s career. Together, they emphasize the importance of knowing when to assume the roles of photographer and editor, and when to let the audience engage with the work on their own terms.

Lesley A. Martin & Pauline Vermare

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha is joined by Pauline Vermare, Curator of Photography at the Brooklyn Museum, and Lesley A. Martin, Executive Director of Printed Matter. They discuss their collaborative efforts on “I’m So Happy You Are Here: Japanese Women Photographers from the 1950s to Now,” published by Aperture. This publication offers a counterpoint, complement, and challenge to historical precedents and the established canon of Japanese photography. Lesley and Pauline share their connections to Japanese society and their interest in the representation of women in photography. Together, Sasha, Lesley, and Pauline explore how they balanced the academic and historical aspects of their work with the artistic appeal of a photobook that highlights the contributions of Japanese women photographers.

2024 PhotoWork Junior Fellows

In this episode of PhotoWork, host Sasha Wolf talks with the three recipients of the Foundation’s inaugural Fellowship: Molly D’Arcy, Brandon Holland, and Will Suiter. They each share how the six-month mentorship impacted their artistic practice and what the experience meant to them personally. It’s an honest and transparent peek into the evolving practices and processes of these three young artists.

Matthew Genitempo

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, host Sasha sits down with photographer and publisher Matthew Genitempo to discuss his latest book, “Dogbreath,” published by Trespasser. Together, they explore how “Dogbreath” marks a departure from his earlier work, “Jasper,” particularly in terms of personal narrative and photographic language. Matthew also shares insights about a pivotal critique session when he was in graduate school that significantly influenced his working methods and mindset.

Todd Hido

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha interviews photographer Todd Hido about his latest book, “The End Sends Advance Warning,” published by Nazraeli Press. They explore how the book defies its title, focusing instead on themes of hope and beauty. Additionally, they discuss the creation of Todd’s recent survey show at Casemore Gallery, which is the most extensive presentation of his work to date. Despite being a returning guest, Todd shares fresh insights about his mentors and his deep passion for photography, and he announces a new book towards the end of the episode.

Dr. Sarah Kennel

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha and Dr. Sarah Kennel, the Aaron Siskind Curator of Photography at the VMFA, discuss in detail the acquisition process at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. They also delve into the collaborative efforts required to produce a large traveling exhibition, specifically A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845, which is coming to the VMFA in October 2024. This episode reveals many of the inner workings of museum operations and helps to demystify the various processes through which artwork is acquired and shown.

Ahndraya Parlato

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha has an in-depth conversation with photographer Ahndraya Parlato about her book, ‘Who is Changed and Who is Dead,’ published by MACK. Ahndraya shares the life-altering events that inspired her to create this examination of motherhood, which is filled with both humor and grief. Sasha and Ahndraya discuss the book’s use of text and how Ahndraya had to let go of preconceived notions of what a photobook should be. Ahndraya also gives us a wonderful sneak peek into her next body of work.