We believe Korean photography and in general their cultural establishment does itself a great disservice by censoring the work of Pedro Meyer, who was officially invited to participate in their current Trienial of Photography to be held in Seoul.

You can see the work that was censored and come to your own conclusions about their decisions, you can also read the correspondence that went on between the organizers and the photographer himself and the reasons why they decided not to honor their invitation.

If you believe that such censorship should not be allowed to go unquestioned, then you can press the button below in order to send an E-mail to the corresponding people in Korea, who might wish to question the organizers.

Best regards
Pedro Meyer

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: responds from Triennale
Date: October 17, 2005 9:22:15 AM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro,

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: Re: what is going ON?
Date: October 17, 2005 5:32:38 AM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Dear Lim,
Two things, when you say that the images are stronger, I am not sure what you are telling me with this, as I would think that stronger images would be something you would actually value and benefited from in the context of an exhibition.

Of course I am not going to accept the suggestion of placing them in the University or hiding the work in some corner. This sort of censorship I find is not even something that you would consider acceptable. Why are you so unhappy about having the debate, when not even I as the artist feel that this is something you would not desire. What are Trieniales for, if not the advancement of ideas? If my work is to be seen in a critical way, let that be, you will only be applauded for your open mindedness in dealing with such a discussion, not the opposite. I on the other hand will possibly be criticised for my images, therefore, if I am willing to deal with this, I see no point in you not supporting the work.

If the work is stronger than other works as you state, then you should welcome this, not attempt to shut it down. So, my answer is clearly NO. I am not willing to be censured in this manner.

I already explained that as I am here in Brasil, there is no way I can resolve the issue of printing any other work, such as you suggest.

Mind you, if you shut down my work from participating in the Trienial, you leave me no chioice but to inform the rest of the world that this has happened to my work. I do not think that this is something that you really want. In essence the debate has already started when you are contemplating to impose such a censorship. So what started with the genuine desire to make the presentation the best I can for your Trienial, you are turning into something else that I never intended, and that is a confrontation. Please reconsider your position, for your own best interests, fear of being open minded should not be what guides you, I hope.

With my best regards, I hope you respond very fast.
Pedro

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Re: what is going ON?
Date: October 17, 2005 1:59:51 AM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro,
I had to work outside of my office since I talked to you last Saturday.
There are so many things going on right now.
I have read the PDF contents and understood your theme; Transit from analogue to digital.
However your iamges are a lot stronger than other images that we have seleted from artists.
If you would really like to exhibit the series, how about having a special solo exhibition in our university gallery
and exhibiting the earlier series in Triennale?
I am also very sorry that we have had some miscommunication.
Best regards,
Lim

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: what is going ON?
Date: October 16, 2005 10:28:05 PM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Dear Lim,
No answer coming from you on Friday, Saturday or Sunday..... how are we ever to deal with the pending issues if you do not respond to your emails?

Best regards
Pedro Meyer

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: urgent!
Date: October 16, 2005 2:10:44 PM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Dear Lim,
I continue to wait for your reply..... it is now Sunday evening here in Brasilia, and I need to decide everything by the morning....

Best regards
Pedro Meyer

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: Re: some ideas.... text...
Date: October 15, 2005 12:23:55 AM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Dear Lim,
I am, as I had already written to you earlier, in Brasil at the moment. There is no way that I can change anything at this late stage. Either the images are what I sent you or nothing at all. Sorry! I wrote to you quite a bit earlier with enough advance notice, but no one ever responded. Now it is too late to make any changes. The 9 images are printed and packed and ready to go in Mexico as soon as you clarify the information for shipping which was also sent to us with only partial data which DHL does not recognize, as my assistant wrote to Min.

The only reason I changed, from what we had discussed at an earlier stage, was because I think this work is more interesting and more challenging. The reason you have the jpeg pictures of what I am planning to send was in order to avoid any confusion as to what to expect. Sadly you did not respond to my emails in a timely manner, so we could have had a discussion on this subject.
I wrote to you about a month ago, with regard to the issue with the straight pictures. None of the pictures you mention below, are straight either. All of them are part of my recent work, which as I told quite some time ago is a TRANSIT from analog to digital. So the theme of your Trienial, would be no problem as such.

However, the choice is yours. Either you accept what I have already prepared or I am sorry but there is nothing else I can offer you with me being here in Brasil. I personally think it will be OK and very interesting to have this work in TRANSIT, precisely because the debate with the straight image is what should be discussed. Please read the PDF I sent you today. The content of the PDF is very straight forward and the corner stone of why TRANSIT makes sense in this context.

Once you decide about the series of images, then we can discuss about the image for the catalog. That I can have my assitant send you from Mexico on Monday.
I suggest you respond to my emails right away over the week end. Also I need to decide no later than next Monday if I am to go to Seoul in the first place, as if you decide against those pictures, then I am obviously not coming either. My air ticket should be bought on Monday at the latest. So all is right now hanging in the air with what you wrote here today. Furthermore, I would like to get an official letter from you, should you decide that I go, that upon my arrival in Seoul you will pay me $ 1,800 US for the air ticket which I am paying out my pocket in advance. So far I only have an email to this effect by Min, but not from you.

With my best wishes from Brasilia,
Pedro Meyer

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Re: some ideas.... text...
Date: October 14, 2005 10:27:06 PM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear. Pedro
We are a bit surprised by the images that you sent us.
What is the reason that you changed your mind to this series "The angel and her devils" instead of the images that you first chosen.
Due to our theme "Transit" and basic character as straight photography, I think the former images that you sent us would be more suitable.

We would be very appreciated that you could send us better qualited image files of "mercado de pescados", and"Night Scene Calcutta, India".
Since we have to proceed to publish the catalogue first, we need preliminary information from you such as biography and discription of you work if you have, as well as the images.
For better quality, It will be better to get subtitled digital images from you than to scan the images from books here.

Scanned size of 8x10' and 200dpi should be good enough.
You could use our web-hard because it might be too big to send over an e-mail.
Go on www.webhard.net and log on with ID; •••••••••• PW: ••••••••
Then you will see a folder named after you under "Guest Folder".
Please upload images, your biography and discription of your work.Best regards,
Lim.

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: this is my itinerary now
Date: October 7, 2005 4:53:06 PM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Dear Lim,
As I have not heard from you back, I have proceeded to book the flights otherwise I would not get the adequate connections..
We also need to deal with the prints right away..... please remember I am leaving Mexico in Three days... and need to leave instructions.... before going to Brasil. YOu need to respond to my emails very fast during these days.... nothing can be waiting around for days anymore.
Best regards
Pedro

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Re: Seoul Photo Triennale (theme)
Date: September 29, 2005 4:59:44 AM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro
I meant 'straight' by 'not manipulated'.
It does not mean only gelatin silver prints or original slides.
We wouldn't worry about digital re-touching process or digital outputs unless it's deformed.
We aware of your work perfectly meets our theme.
If you want to print your work there, you could send us rolled prints via DHL like Martin Parr or Paul Seawright.
Pleas let me know how much it will cost for 6 prints of 44inches.
I know a few museum frame artisan who could make one exactly same as you want.
I will need to know the exact size for framing as well as the kind of material.
best regards
Lim

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: Re: Seoul Photo Triennale (theme)
Date: September 26, 2005 11:04:27 PM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Dear Lim.
I see nowhere the number of images that you requested. Or do you leave that up to me?
Remember that I want the prints to be 44 inches wide. How are you going to mount these? frame these?
I do not think that Salgado or Parr are sending you over files that are going to be printed in Korea, are they?
Then I have another question, you make emphasis on the "straight images" in several places, so what happens then with the images that I do? obviously the term of Trans , Transit, Transition, applies to the work I am doing, as your understanding of the straight image, is in fact in transition towards what I am doing. Do you accept this premise?
I look forward to your earliest comments,
Best regards
Pedro

Host: The Society of Korean Documentary photography
Seoul Photo Triennale Commitee
Sponsor: The Korean Art and Culture foundation
Seoul Foundation of Art and Culture
Seoul Museum of Art
German Embassy, French Embassy, American Embassy(plan)

1. Objective
The Seoul Photo-Triennale is an international photography festival that began in 1998, designated “The year of photographic images” by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The second Seoul Photo-Triennale will represent straight photographic work that deals with ‘contemporary topics’. The main purpose of the festival is to show recent trends of art through the photographic medium, while accenting the role of Seoul as a center of modern arts. The Seoul Photo-Triennale will exhibit various aesthetics of photography on contemporary issues. The ultimate purpose is to communicate messages to our society.

2. The 2nd Seoul Photo-Triennale – “Trans, Transit, Transition”
The Seoul Photo-Triennale is a celebration of ‘the realization of contemporary topics through photography”, based on straight photographs. It’s object is to revive historical viewpoints by the medium of photography while maintaining the traditional idea of attaching great importance to visual prerequisite known as ‘framing’. On the basis, the 2nd Seoul Photo-Triennale will embody its theme of ‘Trans, Transit, Transition’. The festival has matured from the last session that focused on the introduction of world photography and it’s trends. It has grown as an opportunity of ‘thematic embodiment’ and a ‘World Festival of photography’. Also, the festival will make a practical application of the influence of the Internet which unites the world to participate in real-time. Therefore, the world will be able to communicate with us in real-time through works that will be exhibited in the main exhibition of ‘Trans, Transit, Transition”, works that will be displayed in the Special Exhibition, as well as digital photographing events and web environments. Visitors abroad will be able to better understand the lives of the people living in Seoul and their comprehension of photography as a tool of the recognition of reality.


3. The theme and characteristics of the exhibition.
The theme of the 1st Seoul Photo-Triennale, 1998, was ‘Urbanscape’. ‘Urbanscape’ was the landscape of the end of the twentieth-century; historical changes made by human desires during last twentieth-century and emphasizing on present appearances of mankind before facing a new century. The theme of The 2nd Seoul Photo-Triennale in 2004 will be ‘Trans, Transit, Transition’, considering that it will be the first triennale held in the twenty-first century. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Second Industrial Revolution’, developments in digital technology have made various changes in our lives and the rapid rise in Chinese economy is pushing the pace. Violence and cultural conflicts are guised under the name of rights and justice. The theme ‘Tans, Transit, Transition’, speaking for this transitional period, uses three consecutive words to symbolize ‘potential intuition’, ‘present status’, and ‘recognition of changes in the era’. ‘Trans’ is a prefix meaning ‘traverse’ or ‘transcend’, ‘Transit’ means to ‘go through’ or ‘transport’, and ‘Transition’ is the essential changes of ‘fulfillment’. The meanings of these three words circulate between creation and destruction, similar to history itself.

The exhibition will gather great works of world photographers to reveal the actual existence and trends all over the world and to put together the pieces of flows of our times. Also in the Special Exhibition, works expressing senses of essential changes in history since the invention of photography will be shown.

Based on these exhibitions, 'The 2nd Seoul Photo Triennale – ‘Trans, Transit, Transition' will offer various visions of photographers who have been facing up to solemn reality with serenity, which will bring us to an awareness of today's 'life' and to recollect historical lessons of our times.

The exhibition will take place at the sun Art Center, where an average of about 300 visitors come everyday (500 on weekends). Inferring from the number, the exhibition will not only be for admirers of photography but for the general public as well. For the public, a seminar on the ‘Present and Future of Photography’ is planned. Curators and photographers from all over Asia will be invited to discuss the importance of Korean Photography in art history. Visitors will also have chances to participate in various events, such as taking digital photos.

The 2nd Seoul Photo Triennale will be an excellent opportunity to kindle the general public’s awareness of photography and imagery, which has been relatively neglected in the Korean art society. Exchanging cultures and artwork with the international art society will increase the interest in local modern art. The successful hosting of the 1st Seoul Photo Triennale received a congratulatory message from Peter Galassi, a curator of MoMA, increasing the standard and role of Korean Photography in the world today. This year more prestigious commissioners from various regions will participate in the triennale. The quality of the festival is expected to be very high. Therefore, people from all over the world who love visual arts will once again put Seoul in the spotlight. As a result, photography, as a form of progressive art, will create an incentive for the growth in the art infrastructures in Seoul. In the meantime, supplementary effects are expected to relative industries. And more, lasting publicity activities of Korean Photography Association and Sponsors are also expected through the Internet website which would be provided in English and Korean. As the new century sets in, expectations on the media of photography are higher than ever before. The 2nd Seoul Photo – Triennale will draw attention and promote growth in the media art industry.

4. Exhibition Location and Special Features
1) Location
. Seoul Museum of Art
. On-Line Virtual Space
2) Special Features
a seminar on the ‘Present and Future of Photography’


5. Schedule
November 9st, 2005 ~ December 18th, 2005.


6. Members of the Committee
- The Border of Advisory Committee
Oh, Kwang Soo former director of National Museum of Contemporary Art
Matthias Harder Director of the Museum of Helmute Newton
Wills Hartshorn Director of ICP
Anthony Bannan Director of Eastman Kodak Company Museum
Lim, Young Kyun Executive Director

- The Border of Executive Committee
Jung, Young Hyuk Vice President of The Society of Korean Documentary Photography
Jung, Hoon Exhibition Curator
Lee, Jang Wook Independent Curator
Yi, So Jung Administration Manager
Lee, Jung Min Assistant Coordinator
Kwon, Myung Won Assistant Curator
Kim, Seo Ha Assistant Editor


7. Artists

Domestic artists
Artists from overseas
Kang, Woon Gu
Kang, Young Suk
Kim, Soo
Kim, Ok Sun
Ryu, Sang Su
Byun, Soon Chul
Lim, Sun Young
Cho, Joon Woo
Han, Young Soo
Martin Parr
Michael Wesely
Chester Higgins Jr.
Konstantinos Kissas
Paul Sweawright
Pedro Meyer
Reagan Louie
Sebastio Salgado
Stephane Couturierr

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: it is clear
Date: September 21, 2005 2:50:24 PM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Dear Lim,
It is clear that you have not been able to resolve the sponsorship problems for your invitation for this month of September, however what I do not understand is your absolute silence about what is happening. I hope you are not assuming that I would have been available at a moments call, just because you might have received a ticket in the last moment.
Even if you wrote back today with information that you would have resolved your needs, I would not go anymore, as I have made other plans in the meantime, in lieu of your silence.
Obviously I am dissapointed at what appears to be a poor way of handling all of this, and in turn this does not augur too many good perspectives with regard to the Trienial in November either.

Best regards
Pedro Meyer

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Re: Dear Mr.Meyer
Date: September 6, 2005 5:55:39 AM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro,
Thank you very much for understanding the problem. There's no change in November schedule,
so you don't have to worry about that. But for September, I still haven't heard anything concret from
the KTF company - our possible sponsor. Would it be possible for you to wait for another week?
I can assure you that things will be clear by then. Many apologies.
By the way, I am writing for the magazine that's going to have your stories and photos on its cover story
and it will be really helpful if you can provide me with more materials to refer to. I remember that you suggested sending
me your draft for a book in JPG file, and I would be delighted to see it. Would this be possible?
Sorry again to keep you waiting. I will let you know as soon as possible if there's any news.
yours,
Lim

From: pedro@zonezero.com
Subject: Re: Dear Mr.Meyer
Date: September 2, 2005 11:47:09 PM GMT-05:00
To: limswork@nuri.net

Hi Lim Young,
I understand the problems, do not worry. Now as to September, I really need to define everything as of this moment, we are already in September, if there is a problem with this as well, please let me know as soon as possbile, as I have a lot of things to take care off, and can not leave everything to the last moment. So please let me know what the story is. We can deal about November for later.
Best regards
Pedro

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Dear Mr.Meyer
Date: August 30, 2005 10:50:24 PM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Mr.Meyer,
I heartily apologize for this late reply, but there has emerged a problem recently. Canon Company was supposed to sponsor the Seoul phototriennale this time, but they cancelled this plan and we lost an important financial source. We are now contacting another possible sponsor, the KTF communication company, but at this point I cannot say for sure what their decision would be. I am very sorry to tell you this, but it seems difficult to invite you to Seoul twice this fall, although we eagerly hope to do so. You will be cordially invited in September as promised, though.
For the triennale in November, we will do our best to find a financial source to replace Canon. In the meantime, it came to my mind that you may want to contact the Epson company and see if they are willing to sponsor your visit to Seoul in November. If you can speak to them in Mexico and they approve it, we will contact Epson Korea and take care of the rest. For their sake, I am thinking that Epson and we can co-host the seminar that you are planning to hold during your visit.
I am very sorry again to deliver this bad news. But Canon's decision was something that we didn't expect, and we will continue searching for other help. Please remember that your visit to Seoul is very important for us, and we can't say enough how much we feel honored by it.
p.s. I am happy to let you know that your photos will be in the cover story of a Korean photography journal in the upcoming November issue.
sincerely,
Jung

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Re: please let me know
Date: August 7, 2005 9:38:15 PM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro Meyer,
This is Jung Hoon, exhibition curator of the 2nd Seoul Photo-Triennale.
Now, Lim is photographic traveling in Hong Kong. That's why I reply your mail instead of Lim.
Actually, we are contacting several enterprises those are capable to support this project.
So, we will give you the answer regarding your flight ticket until the end of this month.

Sincerely,
Jung Hoon

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Re: please let me know
Date: July 28, 2005 3:34:14 AM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro,
Thank you for your images.It's enough now.
Please let me know when will you come to Seoul.
As we talked middle of September ?.
The best time is September 29 to October 5th.
There is big event in Seoul.
Please confirm date and time of your arriving in seoul to me , after book the air line ticket.
I need book to hotel.best regards,
Lim.

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: dead line for magazine,
Date: July 16, 2005 9:46:48 PM GMT-05:00
Resent-To: pedro@zonezero.com
To: webmaster@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro,
Would you please send me few image of Your works which we are going to have exhibition here in Seoul.
dead line for magazine is 22 th of July.
I going to introduce your works on international art magazine .
best regards,Lim Young Kyun.

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Seoul Photo Triennale
Date: July 9, 2005 1:42:16 AM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com Hello Dear. Pedro,

It has been a long time since I have talked to you.
We have settled our plan and we are preparing the festival opens in November 9th.
The Seoul Photo Triennale ll will be held in Seoul Museum of Art for 40 days (Nov9-Dec18).
I have planed to invite about 12 artists form the world with around 10 korean artists.
I hope you are still interested in joining us as a member of committee and an artist as well.
If you let me know your adress, I would like to send you an formal invitation.

And I am considering inviting Sebastiao Salgado to the festival with his series of Migration .
I want not only to exhibit his work but to invite him to seoul as well.
I wonder if you are aquainted with him. I would like to hear your opinion.
I am attaching a file that explains the theme and schedule of Seoul Photo Triennale.

I will talk to you soon.

Best Regards,

Lim

From: limswork@nuri.net
Subject: Re: Seoul Photo Triennale
Date: June 21, 2005 11:29:35 AM GMT-05:00
To: pedro@zonezero.com

Dear Pedro,
I just come from in Germanyn and France this afternoon.
I really would like to go to Mexico to see you on July 8-10th.(date is depannd on air ticket)
I will find out more detail of air ticket when i am arrived in New York City on June 29th.
I will give you call from New york City as soon as possible.
best regards,
Lim.

We believe Korean photography and in general their cultural establishment does itself a great disservice by censoring the work of Pedro Meyer, who was officially invited to participate in their current Trienial of Photography to be held in Seoul.

You can see the work that was censored and come to your own conclusions about their decisions, you can also read the correspondence that went on between the organizers and the photographer himself and the reasons why they decided not to honor their invitation.

If you believe that such censorship should not be allowed to go unquestioned, then you can press the button below in order to send an E-mail to the corresponding people in Korea, who might wish to question the organizers.

Best regards
Pedro Meyer