In an opinion piece on the limitations of access to crowdfunding projects, we made an argument for taking the initiative to explore sites that promote photographers from countries and cultures less frequently seen.
We're following that post with a series of short profiles that will collectively provide a starting point for an exploration of international blogs, online magazines, and pages. We began by looking at Kilele, We Take Pictures Too, Arab Image Foundation, Greater Middle East Photo, Space Cadet, and Street Level Japan. Today we continue with Indonesia-based Kantor Berita MES 56.
Kantor Berita MES 56 is the online magazine of Ruang MES 56, a non-profit institution established in 2002 that emphasizes exploratory theoretical and practical approaches to contemporary photography in Indonesia. It aims to develop contemporary discourse in the country. In addition to running a blog, MES 56 is a multi-dimensional project that includes exhibitions, workshops, and presentations.
Kantor Berita MES 56 was born of a concern for showing how extensively and rapidly contemporary photography is evolving, especially in Indonesia. Articles are infrequent, but the archives stretch back to 2009. The site balances images with commentary in both English and Indonesian (which Google translator does a good job with). Kantor Berita MES 56 publishes interviews, portfolios, exhibition reviews, and book reviews. The post Indonesian Wedding Photography Ritual is an example of the site at its best. Kantor Berita MES 56 has been updated as recently as October of last year.
MES 56 can be followed on Twitter and on Facebook.
