Artist Talk: “The Art of Conservation in Handmade Photography"
By Dr. Zoe Kosmidou
Date: May 18th, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Photo Works: 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812
Admission: Free with RSVP. Limited space. Snacks and refreshments.
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Join us for an enlightening artist talk that explores the intricate relationship between reinventing historical photography and preserving our natural world. Dr. Zoe Kosmidou, a passionate photographer and conservation advocate, will discuss the power of visual storytelling in highlighting the endangered beauty of our planet, her engagement with it, and the increasing necessity of preserving it.
Highlights of the presentation:
- Understanding the intersection of art and science in the historical photographic process of Cyanotype, first applied by scientist Anna Atkins in the 1800s. A printing method with endless possibilities that not only enhances the aesthetic quality of art but also emphasizes sustainability in artistic practices.
- Impactful Storytelling: Experience visual stories that celebrate biodiversity and highlight the urgent need for conservation. Discover how handmade photography can inform, educate, and foster creativity through simple means and safe practices, even at a young age.
- Hands-on presentation of the materials used to create her exhibited artworks. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating process of producing unique Cyanotype photography, which has been practiced for over two centuries.
- Q&A Session: Engage with Zoe during a live Q&A, where you can ask questions, discuss your thoughts, and gain a deeper understanding of the role of photography in today's environmental landscape.
Dr. Kosmidou believes strongly in the power of photography to help create positive change and ultimately help protect our native flora, fauna, and wildlife. She holds a postdoctoral degree in international cultural relations, focusing on the arts as a means of communication for conflict resolution. Alongside her photography and conservation interests, she has had a lengthy career curating and organizing exhibitions for major art institutions worldwide. She studied photography at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and fine art photography at the Corcoran College of the Arts in Washington, D.C. Two years ago, she joined the Handmade Photography Group at Photo Works. Her photographs have been exhibited in galleries around the world.
