The municipality of La Orotava hosts a new edition of OFF La Orotava, Photography Festival, an initiative returning with the goal of democratizing access to photography and creating a cultural meeting point. This year's theme is 'Look(at) Us', inviting a dual reflection on observing others and oneself.
The main day of the festival will be held on Sunday, September 20th, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in the Plaza de la Constitución. This event will coincide with Arte Joven en la Calle (Young Art in the Street), turning the town center into an epicenter of art and culture, especially aimed at young people, students, and creators.
Mayor Francisco Linares highlighted the importance of such cultural initiatives for the municipality, consolidating OFF as a relevant event that attracts and connects with the public, particularly new generations. He emphasized the commitment to bringing photography to the streets, outside traditional exhibition spaces, for a more open and participatory experience.
The Councilor for Youth, Darío Afonso, stressed that the edition is designed to connect with a young and general audience, reinforcing the festival's participatory nature. Approximately twenty stands related to photography and image will be presented, including specialized companies, schools, designers, and photographers.
Roberto Galván Marichal, a member of the organization, detailed that the program includes exhibitions, workshops, participatory experiences, and talks. The concept 'Look(at) Us' explores different ways of observing and interpreting the surroundings, inviting the public to be active participants in the festival and to question what we see in everyday life.
Among the highlighted activities are a talk by Orlando Arocha on photographic portraiture, addressing the relationship between photographer and subject, ethics, and aesthetics. Also, a session by Isidoro Luz Ascanio, a lawyer specializing in Copyright Law, titled 'The photo is mine... but can I use it?', which will cover legal aspects of image usage.
The participatory nature will be evident in activities like 'Retrátame' (Photograph Me), where attendees will answer the question 'What do you want to see of yourself when you see this photo?' before being photographed. Another installation, '¿Cómo me ves?' (How do you see me?), will invite reflection on first impressions. Additionally, a photographic marathon 'Retrátate' (Take a photo of yourself) will challenge participants with 'Where do you see yourself?', focusing on personal and creative vision.
The festival's exhibitions will commence on Friday, September 18th, with the opening of the main exhibition at the Liceo Taoro and the street exhibition in the Plaza de la Constitución.
