The Albert Watson: Visions feat. Cotton made in Africa exhibition is now open at the House of Photography at the Deichtorhallen Hamburg until 6 January 2013. The exhibit consists of two parts: globe trotting Scotsman Albert Watson's newly created photographs of Benin from December 2011 comprise its heart. They depict smallholder farmers who work with the Cotton made in Africa initiative and their living environments in order to visualize the social effects of the initiative.
Alongside the current photographic fruit of his trip round Benin, various rooms are dedicated to a retrospective of early work groups, mainly small-format vintage prints that Albert Watson himself made in the darkroom.
Haus der Photographie also presents fashion and lifestyle images alongside landscape and portrait shots as well as still lifes from Morocco, Las Vegas and the world of the Benin cotton farmers.
Over 800 invited guests attended the private view, celebrating the photographer and his latest exhibition. Watson was joined by countless representatives from Africa, who were attending the Aid by Trade Foundation Stakeholder Conference, which coincided with the date of the opening night. Guests included Benin cotton farmer Yaya Arouna, who travelled to Hamburg to see how his portrait was hung in the exhibition.
The exhibition is curated by Ingo Taubhorn (House of Photography). Besides two of the Cotton made in Africa retail partners, OTTO and TOM TAILOR, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is another important sponsor of the photography project.
Info : Cotton made in Africa believes in its philosophy: aid by trade. The Aid by Trade Foundation follows an innovative approach in development cooperation. Rather than sending money to Africa, the Cotton made in Africa Initiative follows the principles of ‘social business’ – aid by trade. The African smallholder farmers who have joined this initiative are partners on an equal footing. In return for the right to produce garments labelled Cotton made in Africa, the members of the Demand Alliance pay licence fees to the Foundation.
Cotton made in Africa
Opening Hours
Tue – Sun, 11 am – 6 pm
Closed on Mondays
Every first Thursday of the month until 9 pm
Admission
9 Euro / reduced 6 Eur
Free entrance for under 18s.
Deichtorhallen Hamburg GmbH
Deichtorstraße 1 − 2
20095 Hamburg
www.cotton-made-in-africa.com
