Oneworld Multimedia Produces New Book

Finally, the artwork for the second book I've written, photographed and designed is virtually ready. Probably it will go to print next week. The first, Armenia: Poverty, Transition & Democracy, was published by the Gomidas Institute at the beginning of the year and consists of articles and photographs on poverty in Armenia and related themes such as children in institutions, psychiatric health and conflict. This book, however, is for UNICEF and consists of overviews and articles on UNICEF activities in Armenia accompanied by photographs.

After this, things will be a lot quieter although I've still a series of photos to take and posters to design for UNICEF as well as write more articles. I'm also doing some editing work for PADCO and last week photographed two pilot Integrated Social Service Centers (ISSCs) in Massis and Vanadzor. After that, I'll be looking to engage in some personal and new projects. After four years of photographing poverty in Armenia when other photographers didn't, now that money is available for photo projects on poverty everybody seems to want to get in on the act.



ISSC, Vanadzor, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian ASTP - PADCO

So, you can expect more of the very same photographers who ignored the subject matter for so long to come out of the woodwork and declare their "social conscience" through putting in funding proposals for exhibitions and photo projects for the duration of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). Now it's no longer politically sensitive to touch the issue so somehow, it's time for me to find other subject matters these guys won't touch until the next batch of money comes along.

After Shikahogh, maybe the environment sounds interesting.