Photography and Positionality Research
In photography, the examination of the self/other is a key concern of the medium. How do you look at yourself and how do you look at an other? The lens mediates these two positions. This research project on positionality therefore speaks to the fundamental concern of our practice: how we look at what we see, in a nuanced, considered and compassionate way.
Maia Conran and Smriti Mehra, supported by Jheni Arboine and joined this year by artist and Associate Lecturer Olga Saavedra, have been working on this positionality and teaching research project that has been granted Equality Diversity and Inclusion Funding and support from the New Ways of Working Fund from the University of the Arts London.
Their research takes place through a series of interventions and workshops for the BA Fine Art Photography Students and Staff - the purpose of which is to develop an understanding of how positionality impacts photographic practice and can be discussed at an advanced level through teaching.
Understanding positionality enables us all to situate ourselves and others with empathy and nuance and therefore increases the agility with which we approach challenges in social and professional situations. It increases confidence, proactivity and resilience - individually and collectively. By sharing narratives, students and staff are able to better connect to the narratives of others, this in turn increases connectivity and a sense of belonging overall.
In photography, the examination of the self/other is a key concern of the medium. How do you look at yourself and how do you look at an other? The lens mediates these two positions. This research project on positionality therefore speaks to the fundamental concern of our practice: how we look at what we see, in a nuanced, considered and compassionate way.
Maia Conran and Smriti Mehra, supported by Jheni Arboine and joined this year by artist and Associate Lecturer Olga Saavedra, have been working on this positionality and teaching research project that has been granted Equality Diversity and Inclusion Funding and support from the New Ways of Working Fund from the University of the Arts London.
Their research takes place through a series of interventions and workshops for the BA Fine Art Photography Students and Staff - the purpose of which is to develop an understanding of how positionality impacts photographic practice and can be discussed at an advanced level through teaching.
Understanding positionality enables us all to situate ourselves and others with empathy and nuance and therefore increases the agility with which we approach challenges in social and professional situations. It increases confidence, proactivity and resilience - individually and collectively. By sharing narratives, students and staff are able to better connect to the narratives of others, this in turn increases connectivity and a sense of belonging overall.
© Camberwell Fine-Art: Photography
University of the Arts London.