Photographic Practice III: Constructed Images

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Produce a portfolio of photographs that clearly demonstrates experimentation and proficiency with image manipulation techniques, while also demonstrating conceptual understand of image construction.
2. Identify and analyse approaches to image construction and manipulation utilized by photographers from the past and present.
3. Articulate & share their intentions for creative projects in group discussions and written assignments.
4. Contextualize their work within contemporary or historical traditions of photography.
5. Analyse and provide critical feedback on visual works by your peers.

This module encourages conceptual engagement with photography by investigating methods artists have employed to ‘construct,’ rather than capture, images. Since photography’s inception, artists have actively assembled, modified, and manipulated images for practical applications in the commercial realm and as a mode of creative expression. However, photographs were originally marketed and perceived in popular culture as unmediated impressions from nature. Photographs still primarily serve illustrative and evidentiary functions in society today despite increased awareness of photo editing and filters. This disparity between artistic practice and public expectation will be our starting point for critical explorations in the studio.

Working from the position that photographs are always part fact and part fabrication, this module will introduce skills for constructing images including photocollage, digital and analogue manipulation, and experimentation with hybrid processes. This module will also introduce approaches to constructing narratives such as studio tableaus and performances for the camera.

Taking a 'flipped learning' approach, students will read essential texts and watch pre-recorded lectures or interviews with artists as guided independent study. Classroom time will be divided between seminars, and studio practicals.

Seminars will be centred on student-led Q&A and discussion of the readings and video content. Each seminar will examine a specific method of image construction and artists who have used that method over time. Methods covered will include: Cameraless photography, photocollage, photo retouching, instant photography, studio tableaus, performance for camera, still/moving images, and appropriated images.

Two fieldtrips will be used to study original examples of constructed images in the School of Art Museum and the National Library of Wales, where students will learn to identify and analyse a wide range of materials, techniques and approaches to photography.

Studio practicals will focus on hands on instruction and experimentation using the methods discussed in the seminar.

Each student will receive 1:1 and small group tutorials in addition to the classroom time, where they will be given advice, support, and feedback on their work for the module.

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 5