Issue Fifteen: Summer

When considering themes for this issue all we had to do was walk outside. Like most of the US, it is hot in New Mexico now. Unlike many parts of the country, it is very dry. Many states are contending with the floods and we only hope for rain. With the fires that have ravaged the state, too much rain at this time could wash away the homes that survived the flames. Jennifer Schlesinger selected a few images, which range from dramatic to documentary, submitted in our last call for entry in a feature she calls Smoke Check which focuses on at least two of the fires that have burned in NM in the last few months, Las Conchas and Pacheco fires.

David Ondrik features work from the winners of Albuquerque’s Focus on Youth juried exhibition displayed at Albuquerque Museum of Art earlier this summer. With over 1,400 entries the task assigned to local photo professionals is an ardious one at best, but as Ondrik states it is an inspiring experience. Finally, the Summer Issue highlights the work of three talented artists: local photographer Brandon Soder’s surreal and, occasionally spooky, images of Santa Fe’s parks at night; French image maker Florence Bataille’s project NMelancholy which she shot in Santa Fe during the Summer of 2010; and Jesse Rieser’s Christmas in America: Happy Birthday Jesus. As with every issue, we hope you enjoy and share with others.

Youth in Focus
David Ondrik showcases winners of the juried exhibition by Albuquerque’s promising young photographers.

Smoke Check
Jennifer Schlesinger writes about the fires that have ravaged New Mexico this summer illustrated by many photographers.

NMelancholy:
Florence Bataille presents her portfolio from her 2010 summer in New Mexico

Christmas in July:
Jesse Rieser explores the material celebration of the holiday with an introduction by Melanie McWhorter.

Playgrounds After Dark:
Brandon Soder investigates the often unseen world of playgrounds at night with a foreword by Antone Dolezal

Finite Foto is a new media collective that investigates and promotes the intersection of photography and culture in the state of New Mexico. We are dedicated to bringing awareness to the global art community about both historical and contemporary photography from all regions of the state.