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Reviewers Feedback

"Rhubarb-Rhubarb is a premier portfolio review festival, through which the Klompching Gallery has had the privilege of being introduced to a wide range of exciting emerging photographers. Overall there was a wide range of work — technically, aesthetically and conceptually. The surprising aspect was that there didn’t seem to be a ‘glut’ of the same subject matter — very refreshing indeed. A small number of portfolios stood proud. Rhubarb-Rhubarb is one event which is always ‘pencilled in’ and awaiting an invitation." 2008

Debra Klomp Ching, Klompching Gallery, USA

"This year’s event was excellent for reviewing portfolios and meeting with friends and colleagues. I liked the portfolio promenade very much. I wish more people would have danced! (Maybe some Talking Heads next year?)" 2008

Jim Casper, Lens Culture, France

"This is my first Rhubarb and I had a fantastic time! I thought the level of imagery was quite high. Photographers were professional in the presentation of their works and mature in the approach of their projects." 2008 ??

Caroline Niemant, Peepingtom Galerie, France

"Simply the best Rhubarb yet." 2008

Alison Nordstrom, Curator of Photography, George Eastman House, USA

"Exciting, mature, welcoming and accessible event with a high calibre of reviewers and progressive programme." 2008

James Mannox, Pretty Mannox, UK

"The organization was brilliant and everything ran very smoothly. Very friendly team and great communication between the reviewers and photographers througout the whole weekend. Fantastic atmosphere too." 2008

Alexa Becker, Kehrer Verlag, Germany

"Many thanks for the excellent coordination of the event. I enjoy it very much." 2008

Brett Rogers, The Photographers Gallery, UK

"Rhubarb is always such a great event - thank you for the invitation! It's an invaluable way for me to connect with the photographers out there." 2008

Anna Reid, Pavilion, UK

“The organization of the event is the key to it’s success. Well-supported by informed staff. The building is in a great location, and the event is a fantastic networking opportunity.” 2007

Louise Clements, Format/Quad, UK

“Bigger, better, a more serious contender on an international level. Curzon Street Station was fittingly grand.” 2007

Martin Barnes, V & A Museum, UK

“A very professional event. Great atmosphere and great meeting place.” 2007

Karol Hordziej, Photomonth, Poland

“The imagery was top-notch. Certainly a step above most other review events. A very different flavour to the USA, which is important to me.” 2007

Brian Clamp, ClampArt, USA

“Curzon Street Station is a distinctive, fascinating and suitable home for the festival – a wonderful environment in which to work. It seems that Rhubarb’s use of the building is ringing the changes for that area of the city.” 2007

Anna Reid, Pavilion, UK

“It’s been as inspiring as ever. Hats off to you all!”

Jim Casper, Lens Culture, France

“Rhubarb-Rhubarb is always an absolute pleasure to attend. The Rhubarb staff create a wonderful environment, which fluidly facilitates the exchange of ideas and networks. Curzon Street Station was an excellent venue for this year’s Rhubarb. It is easy to envision the potential of this building as a destination and disseminator of cultural importance and artistic exchange.” 2007

Jennifer Long, Harbourfront Centre, Canada

“Rhubarb has become probably the most important photography review in Europe, which is saying something because the reviews have been mushrooming all over the map of Europe. The part of the professional offering is outstanding because you bring in first-rate international reviewers and you subsequently attract good photographers as the result. We liked the Curzon Street venue and the city of Birmingham would be well advised to make that a permanent part of Rhubarb.” 2007

Fred Baldwin and Wendy Watriss, Fotofest, USA

“The venue was fantastic!” 2007

Niall O’Leary, Millennium Images, UK

“The drama of the building and the monumental architectural statement that it makes gives the event a sense of excitement. It enhances the fact that Rhubarb feels very special for all those involved.” 2007

Kate Pryor, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, UK

“Excellent – Rhubarb is the benchmark for this type of event. Curzon Street Station has potential to become an iconic venue synonymous with rhubarb and photography.” 2007

Mike Brown, Format Festival, Derby, UK

“A great convening of spirit, mind and imaging. The friendliest and most dedicated team of all festivals!” 2007

Celina Lunsford, Fotografie Forum International, Frankfurt, Germany

" The auction was much improved this year, and the entertainment afterwards was excellent. — a fantastic night. I also enjoyed the seminars very much. As good as ever, and even more smoothly run. "

2006

Simon Bainbridge, British Journal Of Photography

" Extremely well organised at every level; with a vast array of participants, of every professional level. "

2006

Anna Douglas, Arts Council West Midlands

" Excellent as always. Thank you for an extremely pleasant and stimulating event. I always come back with loads of ideas and plenty to think about. Rhubarb is always exciting and pleasantly exhausting! "

2006

Sian Bonnell, TRACE gallery

" I was very impressed with Rhubarb-Rhubarb. I felt it was extremely well organised and ran very smoothly. Its important that the reviewers have time to talk to each other and I think the Burlington Bar and the evening meals provided us with that opportunity. "

2006

Peg Amison, Sirius Arts Centre

" The event was very well planned, high quality, and a pleasure from start to finish. I found the work to be inspired and inspiring, and the photographers interesting to meet with. I LOVED the Simon Norfolk presentation, and I enjoyed the afternoon soiree for Andrew Buurman’s exhibition. "

2006

Jim Casper, Lens Culture

It's good to know how much excellent photography is out there and inspiring to see a city transformed by a vital and exuberant photographic event such as Rhubarb. The parties were good too... ""

Alison Nordstrom, Curator of Photography, George Eastman House

"I gladly extend my compliments to you for organising this kind of event and on this scale. It was an intense and stimulating experience"

2004

Karen Downey, Belfast exposed Photography N Ireland

"I would like to thank you for all your help and efficiency in making my first time at Rhubarb a thoroughly enjoyable and well supported one. I thought the festival was very well organised and a great deal of fun-a good balance alongside the intensity of seeing so many photographers . I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting reviewers and photographers alike, a few of which I plan to meet up with again soon"

2004

Catherine Williams, Photofusion, London

"A terrific, nicely organized event!"

2004

Rixon Reed, Photoeye, Santa Fe

"Excellent. I have really enjoyed seeing lots of good work and meeting nice and interesting photographers and reviewers. I will look out for progress and keep in touch with several artists with the view to potential acquisition over the next few years."

2004

Kate Best, Victoria and Albert Museum, London

"I will bring most of the artists [ I have reviewed] to the attention of our Artistic Director depending on the work's relationship to our theme. The rest, I will mention to others in the photocommunity looking for interesting work."

2004

Chuck Samuels, Le Mois de la Photo å Montreal

"Thanks once again to you and your team for a fantastic Rhubarb Festival. I met some really interesting people and saw some really promising work. It's a great pleasure to be part of the event."

2004

Pippa Oldfield, Impressions Gallery, London

“ I am writing to thank you and your team for a phenomenal Rhubarb 04 experience.

In all respects the four days excelled: the marketing materials were fresh and witty (and legible); the Orange Studios really conducive to networking and imbued the event with a modern, creative energy; the auction had gala-night quality (the Hippodrome absolutely worked); the line-up of international reviewers was exceptional, providing top-notch feedback for a breadth of photographic practitioners and the exhibitions afforded the public, portfolio reviewers and reviewees a diverse snap-shot of contemporary practice - each exhibition professionally displayed to the highest standards.

From talking with photographers, I feel that everyone took away something of use to their futures: some won book deals, others sold work, some secured exhibitions at home and, or, abroad. Everyone did this in an collegiate atmosphere which is a credit to you, your vision and flare.

And, last but not least, a big thank you to the amazing team of volunteers; who at every level directed the events, and people, with great maturity and responsibility, and whom palpably conveyed their pleasure at being involved; they deservedly commanded the respect of all those present during the four days.

Well done, and many thanks on behalf of the Arts Council West Midlands.”

2004

Anna Douglas, Photography & Digital Media Officer (p/t), Arts Council England, West Midlands