LOOK/17 Liverpool International Photography Festival

Polly Checkland Harding
Michael Wolf, Hong Kong, 2017. © Michael Wolf.

LOOK/17 Liverpool International Photography Festival at Open Eye Gallery, Waterfront 7 April — 14 May 2017 Entrance is free

For its tenth year, Liverpool International Photography Festival explores Cities of Exchange, twinning Liverpool with Hong Kong through a series of newly commissioned works by artists based in both places. The largest photography festival in the North, curated this year by Hong Kong-based curator Ying Kwok (curator of Manchester’s CFCCA between 2006 and 2012 and organiser of Hong Kong’s Venice Biennale Pavilion in 2017), will tell the stories of both cities through themes of urbanism, social housing, architecture, commerce and colonialism.

One of the featured artists, Wo Bik Wong, has shown internationally in over 100 exhibitions; less frequently displayed in the West, her photography and mixed media work is rooted in city architecture’s cultural and historical significance. New work for LOOK/17 focuses on the Port of Liverpool Building, one of the city’s famous Three Graces and on Liverpool’s waterfront, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Derek Man, on the other hand, has examined social housing in China; in Hong Kong, half of the population lives in public housing. Capturing both the oldest and newest social housing, including controversial examples like the cage homes (wire mesh cages that fit little more than a thin mattress), Man examines how an exchange of ideas might bring change to social housing in both Liverpool and Hong Kong.

A series of public realm projects featuring the work of photographer Michael Wolf – who has worked to capture the intense density of Hong Kong – will also be shown at Mann Island and the Victoria Gallery and Museum; Wolf is also on show in a new exhibition at CFCCA called A Private Public from 12 May.

LOOK/17 Liverpool International Photography Festival at Open Eye Gallery, Waterfront 7 April — 14 May 2017 Entrance is free

What's on at Open Eye Gallery

Image by Stephen McCoy, from River to River project
Until
ExhibitionsWaterfront
Proximity at Open Eye Gallery

Stephen McCoy has spent 45 years living, working, and photographing on Merseyside. “Proximity” explores his deep connection with the people and places of the region, tracing the development of his photographic practice over the decades.

free entry

Where to go near LOOK/17 Liverpool International Photography Festival

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Hotel
Hilton Liverpool

The riverside location of Hilton Liverpool makes it one of the most centrally placed hotels in the city, close to the all attractions, big and small.

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Baltic Triangle
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Maldron Hotel

The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.

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Liverpool
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The Halyard

The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.

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Liverpool
Shop
COW Liverpool

Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.

Liverpool
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Pop Boutique Liverpool

Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.

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Lark Lane
Café or Coffee Shop
Press Bros

Press Bros is one of Lark Lane’s best coffee spots, with coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious breakfasts.

iStock.com/SimoneN
Deansgate
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Malmaison Manchester Deansgate

The building’s striking architecture combines classic brickwork with sleek, modern design elements, creating an inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of Manchester’s vibrant energy.

Manchester
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition is an elegant dining hall on Peter Street, home to Jaan and other high-level independent kitchens.

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Bradford
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City Park

City park is Bradford’s brilliant multi-award winning outdoor public space, one of its highlights being The Mirror Pool — the largest urban water feature in the UK.

What's on: Exhibitions

Wolf in Yellowstone
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ExhibitionsManchester
Wild at Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum explores the concept of ‘wild’ nature as a means of tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis in a new exhibition.

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