This Spring, for the first time in the 10 year history of its Square Print Sale, when it
has featured over 1600 images and 24 themes, Magnum Photos partners with literary magazine Granta, for its upcoming sale. Titled Fable, the sale explores the symbiosis between visual and written narratives and comprises 85 images that will be available to purchase as limited-edition 6” x 6” prints during the online sale. A selection of the images will be shown at events in Paris, London and New York, providing a rare opportunity to purchase Square Prints in person during the week of the sale and attend live signings.
Fables comprise stories about human nature; illustrating timeless truths and the moral dilemmas that people face, teaching universal lessons that are accessible and memorable through a combination of words and images.
Granta has commissioned three writers, Sara Baume, Victoria Adukwei Bulley and Derek Owusu, to delve into the work of 85 Magnum photographers, weaving stories inspired by a bespoke selection of images that will be published on Granta.com from 29th April. The partnership celebrates a decade of the sale by showcasing the perennial art of storytelling.
Max Ferguson, Photo Editor at Granta said “Writing and photography often exist alongside one another, sometimes in the same publications, but they rarely overlap. We have a long history of publishing photography as well as writing and this collaboration between Granta and Magnum is an opportunity for a new kind of collaboration between authors and photographers. We are thrilled to have the chance to work together with the team at Magnum to put these artists together.”
Magnum was co-founded by photographer Robert Capa and author John Steinbeck in 1947 and while photojournalism is still at the core of Magnum’s identity, members continue to work with writers of every kind.
Magnum president, Cristina de Middel said “I have always believed that photography is primarily a language — a means to express yourself and communicate. In recent years, the confirmation of visual storytelling as a strong point of the medium has proven that the possibilities are endless. It feels like photography is finally owning its real nature and mission. Partnering with Granta for this edition of the Square Print Sale is a privilege that allows us to research the potential of combining image and text, together. By diving into the multiple meanings of an image and inspiring the creation of a text that catalyses new readings, we bring the medium to its next level. I hope our audience enjoys this playful and stimulating new approach.”
The sale runs from Monday 29th April at 09:00 am EDT to Sunday 5th May at 11:59 pm EDT and the 85 signed or estate-stamped, museum-quality 6×6” prints will be available online for one week, priced from $110/£110/€120.
Pop-up Events Venues and Dates are:
Magnum Gallery at 68 rue Léon Frot in Paris on Tuesday 30th April
Magnum Gallery at 63 Gee Street in London on Wednesday 2nd May
Mmuseumm 2 at 6 Cortlandt Alley in New York from April 29th–May 5th, plus late event on Thursday 2nd May
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 