The Paris 2024 Olympics: A Grand Commencement and What to Anticipate

 

Today marks the much-anticipated beginning of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a global event uniting athletes, spectators, and sports enthusiasts from around the world. The French capital is set to host a spectacular celebration of athletic prowess, cultural exchange, and international camaraderie.

Opening Ceremony: A Stunning Spectacle

The opening ceremony, held at the iconic Stade de France, promises to be a dazzling display of French culture and innovation. With a lineup of renowned artists, musicians, and performers, the ceremony aims to capture the spirit of Paris and the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect. The event will be attended by dignitaries, athletes, and millions of viewers worldwide, setting the tone for the exciting competitions to follow.

Historic Venues and Innovations

Paris, a city steeped in history and elegance, provides a magnificent backdrop for the Games. Historic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Palace of Versailles will serve as venues for various events, blending the city's rich heritage with modern sporting excellence. The use of these iconic sites not only enhances the visual appeal of the Games but also underscores the seamless integration of tradition and progress.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Paris 2024 is committed to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of the Games. From eco-friendly construction practices to the use of renewable energy sources, the organizers have prioritized green solutions to ensure a legacy of environmental responsibility. This focus on sustainability is expected to set new standards for future international sporting events.

Athletes to Watch

As the competitions commence, all eyes will be on the world’s top athletes vying for Olympic glory. Among the standout contenders are track and field stars, gymnasts, swimmers, and team sports participants, each bringing their unique talents and stories of perseverance. With numerous world records potentially at stake, the Paris 2024 Olympics promise thrilling performances and unforgettable moments.

Cultural Celebrations and Global Unity

Beyond the athletic competitions, the Paris 2024 Olympics are a celebration of global unity and cultural diversity. The city will host various cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of participating nations. This cultural exchange is a cornerstone of the Olympic spirit, fostering mutual understanding and respect among the global community.

Looking Ahead

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games unfold, the world can expect a blend of extraordinary athletic achievements, cultural enrichment, and innovative practices. The Games not only celebrate the pinnacle of human athleticism but also highlight the importance of unity, sustainability, and cultural appreciation. With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Paris is poised to deliver an unforgettable Olympic experience that will resonate for years to come.

The world now watches as the athletes embark on their quests for gold, embodying the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius – Faster, Higher, Stronger. Let the Games begin!

Carlos Sousa
United Photo Press

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Time Magazine unveils new cover after Joe Biden’s withdrawal

Time Magazine has unveiled a new cover featuring Kamala Harris after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race.

President Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democrat nominee after he announced he was dropping out of the race.

The magazine cover shows Ms Harris walking into the frame as President Biden steps out of the picture.

Joe Biden withdraws from US presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee.

US President Joe Biden has ended his re-election campaign and endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to succeed him as the Democratic candidate, in an extraordinary decision that upends an already dramatic race for the White House.

Mr Biden, 81, said in a Sunday written statement that it was the "greatest honour" to serve but his withdrawal was "in the best interest of my party and the country".

The announcement caps a tumultuous period in US politics, which began with his sometimes incoherent debate performance against Donald Trump on 27 June. Mr Biden says he will remain president until January.

Ms Harris, 59, said that she was "honoured" to be endorsed, adding she would "earn and win this nomination" and unite the country against Trump.

"We have 107 days until election day," she said. "Together, we will fight. And together, we will win."

While Ms Harris has been picking up endorsments from many big figures in the party, she is yet to be officially nominated, and that may not happen until the Democratic National Convention in August.

A resurgent Trump meanwhile has pulled ahead in polling and was confirmed as Republican nominee at the party's convention in Milwaukee this week, five days after surviving an assassination attempt.

In the wake of Mr Biden's decision, he declared the president "was not fit to run... and is certainly not fit to serve". Other senior Republicans joined him in their criticism, and called on Mr Biden to leave the White House immediately, not just the Democratic candidacy.

Potential Harris rivals fall in line

Sources told the BBC that even senior White House staff and campaign officials were told of Mr Biden's decision only moments before the statement was released on Sunday afternoon, although the president had spoken to Ms Harris and a handful of others beforehand.

Dozens of senior Democrats and grandees including former president Barack Obama, Senate leader Chuck Schumer and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi immediately praised the decision and lauded Mr Biden's accomplishments in office.

Former president Bill Clinton and 2016 Democratic candidate for president Hillary Clinton said they backed Kamala Harris as the party's candidate for November's vote, saying they would "fight with everything we've got to elect her".

While Mr Obama stated that he had "extraordinary confidence" that an "outstanding nominee emerges", he did not explicitly back Ms Harris or any other candidate.

Ms Pelosi has not commented.

Peter Welch, the first Democratic senator to call on Biden to drop his re-election run, called for an "open process" to nominate Harris.

But there are already signs that many in the party will unify behind her, including from high-profile politicians who had been touted as potential rivals for the nomination in the event Mr Biden stepped aside.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is believed to have presidential ambitions, praised Mr Biden as "selfless" and said he backed the "fearless" and "tenacious" Ms Harris to face Trump.

Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania governor, said he would do "everything I can to help elect Kamala Harris as the 47th President of the United States".

Pete Buttigieg, the current transport secretary and a former presidential contender, said Mr Biden was "one of the most consequential presidents in American history", adding he would do "all that I can to help elect Kamala Harris the next President."

Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, stated that her job "will remain the same... doing everything I can to elect Democrats and stop Donald Trump."

The Democratic National Committee meanwhile filed to amend the names of its fundraising committees to the Harris Victory Fund and Harris Action Fund.

Two major Democratic donors - LinkedIn co-funder Reid Hoffman and investor Alexander Soros - publicly endorsed Harris.

And within an hour of Mr Biden's announcement, the pro-Trump super-PAC campaign fund Make America Great Again posted an advert attacking Mr Harris, claiming "she covered up Joe's obvious mental decline".

Trump added: "Whoever the Left puts up now will just be more of the same."

Weeks of intense scrutiny

Mr Biden had faced intense scrutiny since his debate performance in June. Less than two weeks ago, he hosted a high-profile summit with Nato leaders in Washington.

The occasion did little to calm nerves within his own party, with him mistakenly introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin”, and appearing to refer Ms Harris as "Vice President Trump".

At one point he told an interview that only the "Lord Almighty" could make him withdraw, but then later said he would consider doing so if he had a health condition. On Friday, while in isolation after testing positive for Covid, he said he would return to the campaign trail in the coming week.

In his statement on Sunday, Mr Biden thanked his Ms Harris, saying she was an "extraordinary partner".

"And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me," his statement added.

"I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America."

Officials from the Democratic National Committee held an emergency meeting on Sunday evening.

The focus will now be on the party's national convention, which is scheduled to start on 19 August.

Mr Biden swept the party's primaries, meaning that the delegates representing each state at the convention were pledged to vote for him - although they are now expected to be released to vote for another candidate.

United Press Team

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Increasing Concerns Over President Biden's Health: Insights from Medical Experts

Doctors are Growing Alarmed Over Biden’s Health

Nine medical professionals recently shared their views on President Biden’s health, and almost all expressed concerns that his symptoms might extend beyond the normal aging process. Since Joe Biden announced his presidential candidacy in 2019 at the age of seventy-six, questions about his age have persisted. Despite being a "transitional" figure, Biden has governed effectively, passing significant legislation. However, over the past year, apprehensions regarding his cognitive fitness have gained momentum and validity.

Reports from staff, donors, and officials have highlighted mental lapses. Special counsel Robert Hur referred to Biden as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" in his report on Biden’s handling of classified documents. A recent presidential debate performance, watched by over fifty million Americans, further fueled these concerns. Biden stumbled over numbers and words, often losing his train of thought, appearing unfocused, and requiring assistance from the First Lady to exit the stage.

Following the debate, Axios reported that Biden, now eighty-one, tends to tire and misspeak before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Biden himself acknowledged needing to "pace myself a little more." Supporters have attributed his performance to various factors such as jet lag, a cold, and a busy schedule, but these explanations are reminiscent of conversations about an elderly relative's ability to drive safely, not about a presidential candidate’s fitness to govern.

A Spectrum of Medical Opinions

In an attempt to understand Biden’s health better, I consulted nine doctors, including an internist, geriatricians, neurologists, and a neurosurgeon. Most of these doctors, politically left-leaning, from different parts of the country, ranging in age from their thirties to sixties, emphasized that diagnosing from afar is challenging. However, nearly all voiced concerns that Biden’s symptoms might indicate more severe cognitive issues or neurodegenerative conditions, advocating for a comprehensive evaluation for neurological disorders.

A neurologist from the West Coast remarked that Biden’s debate performance raised alarms among her colleagues. She stated, "All of us had a gut reaction that this is not normal."

Historical Context and Ethical Considerations

Presidential health has often been shrouded in secrecy. Historical instances include Grover Cleveland’s secretive surgery for an oral tumor and Woodrow Wilson’s stroke being hidden from the public, with his wife taking over many of his duties. Ronald Reagan’s cognitive decline during his second term also led to discussions about invoking the Twenty-fifth Amendment.

The ethical dilemma of discussing a public figure’s health is complex. In 1964, psychiatrists openly questioned Barry Goldwater’s mental fitness, leading to the establishment of the Goldwater Rule, which restricts psychiatrists from commenting on public figures they have not examined. Despite this, some physicians argue that they have a duty to warn the public about potential risks, as seen in discussions about Donald Trump’s mental fitness during his presidency.

Current Medical Evaluations and Public Perception

The President’s medical team has consistently reported that Biden does not show signs of a neurodegenerative condition. In February, Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, attributed his stiff gait to spinal arthritis and stated that a detailed neurological exam revealed no significant issues. However, details about cognitive assessments and specific imaging remain vague.

Public trust in Biden’s health is waning. His debate performance and subsequent reports have led to growing concerns among voters, with many believing it is time for him to step aside. A neurologist from New York remarked, "He’s fading in front of us. You don’t need to be a neurologist to see it."

Balancing Transparency and Privacy

The balance between transparency and privacy in discussing a president’s health is delicate. While it is intrusive to dissect someone’s health publicly, the stakes are higher when it involves a world leader. The public deserves clarity on Biden’s cognitive fitness, given its implications for national and global stability. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing could provide definitive answers, helping to address the public’s concerns.

In conclusion, while Biden’s administration has managed to achieve significant legislative success, the growing concerns about his cognitive health cannot be ignored. As the debate over his fitness for office continues, it underscores the need for a transparent and thorough evaluation to ensure that the nation’s leadership remains robust and capable.

Carlos Alves de Sousa
United Photo Press

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"RECONNECTED" Exhibition by United Photo Press at the Museum of Electricity in Madeira

United Photo Press International Photo Exhibition: "Reconnected" - A Journey Beyond Borders

The United Photo Press is delighted to announce the international photo exhibition "Reconnected" - A Journey Beyond Borders, which will be inaugurated at the Museum of Electricity in Funchal, Madeira, in September 2024. This event, poised to be a cultural landmark, will bring together photographs from talented photographers around the globe, celebrating connection and diversity through photographic art.

The exhibition will feature special contributions from members of Arca D´Ajuda, a respected cultural association based in Funchal. Highlights include the award-winning works from the “V Photo Marathon” organized by Arca D´Ajuda, with prizes to be presented at the opening ceremony on Saturday, 7th September 2024, at 4 pm. This collaboration strengthens cultural ties between the Madeiran community and the international community of photographers.

Exhibition Highlights: Central Exhibition Wall: The central wall will be dedicated to the award-winning photographs from the Arca D´Ajuda competition, showcasing the works that secured 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, as well as the most voted photo on social media.

Video Wall: All participating photographs, both from the Arca D´Ajuda marathon and United Photo Press photographers, will be displayed on an impressive video wall, providing an immersive visual experience.

Bilingual Posters: Two bilingual posters (Portuguese and English) will announce the exhibition, emphasizing the inclusive and international nature of the event.

In addition to the exhibition, United Photo Press is preparing to celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2025 with the release of a commemorative book. This book will feature an introduction by the president of Arca D´Ajuda, reinforcing the collaboration between the associations and celebrating the collective journey in promoting photographic art.

Opening to the Public: The "Reconnected" exhibition will be open to the public throughout September 2024, with the grand opening on 7th September at 4 pm. All photography and culture enthusiasts are invited to visit this unique exhibition, which promises to inspire and connect through the lenses of talented photographers. Come celebrate with us the art of photography and explore a journey beyond borders at the "Reconnected" exhibition. Admission is free.

About United Photo Press: United Photo Press is an international organization dedicated to the promotion of photography and visual arts. Founded 34 years ago, UPP has been a meeting point for photographers worldwide, promoting exhibitions, books, and events that celebrate diversity and creativity in photography.

About Arca D´Ajuda: Arca D´Ajuda is a multicultural association based in Madeira, known for fostering local talent and promoting competitions, exhibitions, and workshops. With a strong commitment to the community, Arca D´Ajuda has been a vital platform for local culture and emerging artists in the region.

About the Museum of Electricity, Funchal: The Museum of Electricity, also known as "Casa da Luz," is located in the heart of Funchal and is dedicated to the history of electrification on the island of Madeira. Housed in a former thermal power station, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of electric energy in the region, presenting interactive and educational exhibits that highlight the importance of electricity in Madeira's development.

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George Clooney’s Call for Biden to Step Aside: A Political Analysis

In a surprising and bold move, George Clooney, a high-profile Hollywood actor and influential Democratic fundraiser, has publicly urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. This development, highlighted in Clooney's guest essay for The New York Times, underscores the growing concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s age and his ability to lead the party to victory in the upcoming election.

Clooney’s Argument

Clooney's central argument is that Biden, despite his accomplishments and experience, is no longer the dynamic leader who can galvanize the electorate. Clooney poignantly notes that "the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time." He reminisces about a more vigorous Biden, contrasting it sharply with the current president, whom he describes as visibly aged and less energetic. This perception, according to Clooney, is not merely a personal observation but a sentiment shared privately by many Democratic leaders and donors.

Strategic Implications

Clooney's essay is not just a critique but a strategic call to action. He warns that Biden’s continued candidacy could jeopardize the Democrats' chances not only in the presidential race but also in down-ballot contests. The actor's concerns reflect a broader anxiety within the party about maintaining control of the House and Senate. By voicing what many insiders are reportedly saying off the record, Clooney aims to catalyse a more open and urgent discussion about the party’s future.

Reaction from the Biden Campaign

The Biden campaign’s reaction to Clooney’s essay was swift. According to insiders, there was an intensive effort to dissuade Clooney from publishing his piece, led by influential figures like Jeffrey Katzenberg. This pushback highlights the campaign’s awareness of the potential damage such a high-profile defection could cause. Nonetheless, Clooney’s decision to go public indicates a significant rift within the party's fundraising elite, who are crucial for mounting a successful campaign.

Wider Democratic Concerns

Clooney is not alone in his stance. The essay coincides with similar calls from other prominent Democratic figures and Hollywood insiders. For instance, Rob Reiner echoed Clooney’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for younger leadership to counter existential threats to democracy. Such voices reflect a broader unease about Biden’s ability to lead a vigorous campaign against likely Republican challengers.

George Clooney’s public plea for President Biden to step aside marks a critical moment in the Democratic Party’s pre-election dynamics. It reflects deep-seated concerns about Biden’s age and electability, concerns that are being voiced increasingly by influential figures within the party. As the election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a crucial decision: whether to rally behind an incumbent president showing signs of age or to seek new leadership capable of energizing the base and securing victory in November. This debate, catalyzed by Clooney’s high-profile intervention, is likely to shape the party’s strategy and could determine its future success.

Carlos Alves de Sousa

United Photo Press

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Why Biden Must Withdraw: A Political Analysis

The President and his party present themselves as the protectors of democracy, yet their actions tell a different story.

The Debate and Its Aftermath

The presidential debate was disastrous for Joe Biden, but the subsequent cover-up has been even worse. Witnessing an elderly man struggle to recall words and facts was painful. His inability to effectively argue against a weak opponent was dispiriting. However, the campaign’s attempt to deny the reality witnessed by tens of millions of Americans is more damaging, as it breeds contempt through its dishonesty.

This has placed the White House within Donald Trump’s reach. Recent polls indicate that voters in critical states have shifted against Biden. His lead is even at risk in previously secure states such as Virginia, Minnesota, and New Mexico.

Biden’s Legacy and the Call for Change

Biden should be remembered for his accomplishments and decency, not his decline. Thus, it is appropriate that senior Democrats are beginning to call for him to step aside. Yet, their public expressions pale in comparison to the growing private dismay. More Democrats urgently need to acknowledge that failing to act now could result in a Trump victory. For the political renewal America so clearly needs, they must advocate for change. It is not too late.

The Unfitness of Both Candidates

Democrats rightly argue that Trump is unfit to be president. However, the debate and its aftermath have also proven Biden unfit. Firstly, due to his cognitive decline. Biden can still appear dynamic during brief, scripted events, but leading a superpower cannot be done by autocue. An international crisis cannot be paused because the president is having a bad day. Can someone who struggles to finish a sentence about Medicare be trusted with the nuclear codes?

Biden is not at fault for his declining faculties, but his insistence—supported by his family, senior staff, and Democratic elites—that he is still fit for the job is disqualifying. His claim that this election is a battle between right and wrong is undermined by the fact that his campaign’s existence now hinges on a lie.

Democratic Accountability and Reflection

Democrats criticize Republicans for their sycophantic behaviour towards Trump. Rightly so, as many Republicans have echoed his falsehoods and lacked the moral courage to oppose his abuses. Believing they could outlast him or that someone else would bear the cost of removing him, senators and congressmen have prioritized ambition over country.

The Democratic Party must also reflect, starting with Biden. He attributes his debate failure to being tired from extensive travel, as if his weakness were proof of his vitality. His supporters argue that the disastrous debate should not overshadow his past three and a half years. However, what matters is whether it foreshadows the next four. Senior Democrats clinging to desperate talking points or waiting in silence for someone else to speak up may think they are being loyal. But are they loyal to their country or their careers?

A Call for Political Renewal

Democrats might claim that their tactics are just politics, justified by the noble aim of saving American democracy from Trump. This defence does not serve America. Covering up one’s own flaws by demonising the opponent has long tainted American politics. Using the threat of Trump as a “dictator” to distract from Biden’s evident infirmity is a form of blackmail. As head of state, the president should embody the virtues of the republic. The more he is seen as a stubborn old man delegating the real work to his aides, the more he undermines Americans’ faith in their government. Representing America abroad, Biden will project decrepitude, delighting China and Russia and dismaying America’s allies.

The Path Forward

There is an alternative. Biden should withdraw from the campaign, allowing the election to revitalise the political landscape. Democracy’s virtue lies in voters choosing their rulers, but Biden and Trump offer a choice between the incapable and the unspeakable. Americans deserve better.

As highlighted in our new podcast “Boom!”, presidential politics is mired in stagnation. With the exception of Barack Obama, every president since Bill Clinton in 1992 was born in the 1940s. Biden (1942) first campaigned for the presidency 37 years ago. At that time, Trump (1946) also considered running. Their generation, shaped by the Vietnam War, carries the baggage of campus protests, Wall Street’s greed-is-good era, and old battles over race and feminism. Today’s fights are different and often play out on platforms like TikTok.

The stagnation reflects a failure of the party system. Parties should unite factions and interests to seek power, but they have been hijacked. The Clintons and Bushes initially seized control. When voters grew weary of them, Obama and Trump led grassroots rebellions. In today’s Democratic Party, Biden and his circle have monopolised the leadership. Only if Democrats reclaim control and persuade him to step aside can renewal begin.

Conclusion

In 2022, we argued that Biden should not seek re-election due to his age. After the debate, our position has strengthened. A new candidate would have just over ten weeks after the convention to present their case. While such a candidate might lose, Biden’s self-sacrifice could help restore American politics.

We believe a new candidate would have a better chance of winning than Biden, even if it were Kamala Harris, his relatively unpopular vice-president. They would be fit to govern and, except for Harris, would deprive Trump of his strongest arguments against Biden: responsibility for inflation, immigration, and the supposed “witch-hunt” leading to his prosecution. America’s renewal must begin now, and the best way is by choosing a new candidate to defeat Trump.

Carlos Alves de Sousa

United Photo Press

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Paris 2024: Striving for More Sustainable Olympic Games

In a significant shift towards sustainability, the organisers of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games have committed to using primarily existing structures and temporary venues, with the construction of only one new building.

Environmental concerns have increasingly influenced major events, and Paris 2024 is no exception. Approximately 95% of the Olympic venues will be existing buildings or temporary structures, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

The sole new construction for Paris 2024 is the Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis, which cost €188 million. This state-of-the-art facility, with a capacity of 5,000 spectators, is now the largest swimming pool in France and will host synchronised swimming, diving, and water polo competitions. The centre is notable for its sustainable design, featuring solar power and bio-based construction materials, alongside the use of recycled materials.

The Stade de France, originally built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, will be repurposed as the Olympic Stadium, hosting athletics and rugby sevens. In an innovative departure from tradition, the Opening Ceremony will be held on the River Seine, while the Stade de France will host the Closing Ceremony.

Several iconic locations will be part of the Games. The Roland Garros tennis complex in Paris will host tennis events, and the National Velodrome in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines will host track cycling.

Paris’s successful bid to host the Games for the third time, following 1900 and 1924, was underpinned by a commitment to build less but with greater utility. This strategy is evident in various sustainable practices, such as the athletes' beds made from reinforced cardboard and mattresses crafted from recycled fishing nets.

The Olympic Village, located in Saint-Denis, features extensive green spaces with thousands of newly planted trees. Post-Games, the 2,800 Olympic apartments will be converted into residential housing, further extending the legacy of the Games.

To enhance sustainable transportation, over a thousand kilometres of cycle paths and around three thousand 'pay-as-you-go' bicycles will be available. Public transport is prioritised for travel to and from Olympic venues, reducing the reliance on private vehicles.

These Games are uniquely dispersed across France. The football tournament will be held in various cities including Bordeaux and Marseille, with Marseille also hosting sailing events. The most distant competition site from Paris is Teahupo'o in French Polynesia, located over 15,000 kilometres away, where the surfing events will take place.

Incorporating sustainability at every level, Paris 2024 aims to set a new standard for future Olympic Games, demonstrating that large-scale sporting events can be both environmentally responsible and successful.

Carlos Alves de Sousa
United Photo Press

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Art Gallery of New South Wales

Tammi Gissell performing, 2021, photo: Anthony Browell

FREE this weekend – experience a compelling new choreographic work by Murruwarri/Wiradjuri artist Tammi Gissell, 'Ngara pinta-rru thirri’laa (that truth while dancing)'.

Performed 10am–2pm this Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May, Gissell's work is made in response to Francis Bacon's 'Study of self-portrait', interrogating what one's self-portrait should be.

Join us in Naala Badu, our north building, for this solo endurance artwork in dialogue with our collection.

Held in the 'Making Worlds' exhibition on lower level 1.

Free, part of our Make it May program | No bookings required

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'Ngara pinta-rru thirri’laa (that truth while dancing)' 2024 was commissioned by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and supported by the Keir Foundation.

Created and performed by #TammiGissell, with sound design and an original score composed by Awabakal musician #MeeghanOliver and costume design by Darug artist Peta Strachan.

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Behind the Scenes of How Kodak Film is Made

Curious how Kodak manufactures its film? In this 8-minute video, Studio C-41 shows the process from making the original giant rolls of plastic that eventually becomes film, to the finished product found on store shelves around the world.

Despite the demand for film falling significantly over the last couple of decades, Kodak continues to produce it in large amounts from its factory in Rochester, New York.

The manufacture of film can be broken down into three main steps. The first step involves heating, stretching, and forming the film base into a large rolled sheet. Those rolls can be up to 12,000 feet long. The next step is to sensitize the film rolls to light. Emulsions and chemicals are added to the film base to prepare it for final finishing.

The final step sends the sensitized film to the film finishing department, where it is cut to size, perforated, labeled, and prepared for shipping.

Despite what Kodak as a business has gone through over the past ten years and despite a shift to producing pharmaceuticals, the company still continues to press on with film production. While not particularly detailed in what it shows, the video does still provide an interesting look inside a company that was instrumental in the revolutionary spread of photography. Without Kodak and what it has been doing in that same factory for decades, many events may never have been captured for the future to look back on

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