Critical Mass was started as an alternative to in-person portfolio reviews. It was designed to put imagery in front of professionals (curators, collectors, editors, gallerists, etc.) who care about photography without the larger commitment of in-person reviews. Also, it is a less expensive option for photographers than in-person reviews. Over the years, we have added the Book Awards, a Top 50 group exhibition and this year we have collaborated with Blue Sky and photo-eye to offer a solo exhibition and website and portfolio hosting, respectively. In addition, we randomly selected 5 Finalists to attend our 2011 in-person portfolio reviews gratis. However, Critical Mass's main intent is still to be something of a match-making system.
See what Shawn had to say about the program last year - Critical Mass 2009: a little perspective and scroll down for Critical Mass Q & A in 2008.
See what Shawn had to say about the program last year - Critical Mass 2009: a little perspective and scroll down for Critical Mass Q & A in 2008.
If you entered Critical Mass and did not make it to the Finalist round, or you did, but don't find your name on the list below, please know that the work you are making is important. The process you went through when entering Critical Mass was a great contributing step in getting it out into the world!
Some enlightening numbers...549 photographers entered Critical Mass this year
20 pre-screeners narrowed the selection to 177 Finalists
4 Dutch photographers received International scholarships
215 jurors voted on the Finalists
50 Finalists came out at the top of the list
For clarification, among the Finalists the difference between number 50 and number 51 is .0051813471503. Among the full list, the difference between Finalist number 177 and non-Finalist number 178 is .05. The point being: the difference between a Finalist and non-Finalist is slim and between the Top 50 and non-Top 50 is slimmer. And again, the goal, is really those potential connections. The numbers and awards are truly meant to be secondary...
But, because we are all curious, the Top 50 are:Ethan Eisenberg
Congratulations to the Top 50 and to everyone who took part in making this the best Critical Mass, yet. And a special thank to our hard-working and dedicated pre-screeners and jurors!
