Module: PHO5001-20 Photographic Practice 7: Object, Figure, Space

Level: 5

Credit Value: 40

Module Tutor: Kellie Hindmarch

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.hindmarch@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Contemporary photography is often characterised by a flexible and eclectic approach that can include a combination of multiple photographic genres: portraiture, still life and landscape – as well as ‘found’ photography, archive, text and other materials – within a single body of work. The status and boundaries of traditional forms of photographic representation – documentary, art, commercial, vernacular – are being tested, questioned and crossed in myriad ways, leading to diverse and challenging new forms of photographic communication.

The broad scope of this open brief provides the opportunity for you to develop a self-initiated period of photographic practice over the second half of the 2nd Year that explores some of these new territories of contemporary photographic language. This work will be created in response to your own individual photographic interests and ideas, using a variety of approaches and visual strategies, with support and guidance of tutors and your peer group.

You are required to engage with ideas, questions and practical possibilities associated with at least two of the broad themes Object/Figure/Space. Building on the skills that you developed in the previous Narrative: Fact & Fiction projects, you are encouraged to demonstrate an imaginative, flexible and diverse approach to the way that you use photography to represent your chosen subjects and ideas.

The module aims to

• examine the role of photography in historical and contemporary visual culture

• expand, strengthen and refine your practical, technical and conceptual skills

• improve your ability to self-manage a program of work

• encourage effective use of research to inform creative practice

• deepen your understanding and experience of modes of dissemination (editorial, book, screen and gallery contexts)

• improve your ability to present work and communicate ideas

2. Outline syllabus:

With tutorial guidance and support, you will develop an extended sequence of self-initiated photographic work exploring and experimenting with aspects of contemporary photographic language that interest you and that you want to establish within your own, personal creative voice. This requires a self-motivated, professional approach throughout the process of idea generation, practical experimentation, development, resolution and critical contextualisation. With tutorial guidance, you will begin to establish a unique and personal approach to photographic practice in preparation for study at Level 6.

You are required to prepare a detailed project proposal that outlines the nature and scope of your intended visual enquiry. This will form the basis of your practical exploration and critical dialogue throughout the module. The development of your work will be supported and guided in tutorials and group discussions throughout the module.

You will be expected to reflect on the development of your ideas and practical explorations in relation to the work of others, through a process of critical research and debate. Historical and contemporary critical contexts will be discussed in a series of seminars and tutorials.

Through a series of practical and technical workshops, you will also explore a variety of potential forms for the output of your work – including gallery, editorial, book and multimedia. These workshops will focus on developing your technical skills in your photographic approach to Object (still life), Figure (portraiture) and Space (landscape/architecture/interior).

Applying analytical and evaluative skills you will learn how to present and critique your own and other’s work, and develop the ability to undertake independent study.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The briefs will include a range of teaching and learning opportunities. As the module progresses you will engage in the following:

• Group & Individual tutorials – discussions and feedback based on practical work-in-progress

• Digital Workflow Workshops – to improve image editing and print output

• Making Days – technical workshops in still life, portraiture and landscape/architecture

• Seminars and lectures – discussions and presentations on related themes

• Photographic practice and research – creative investigations and experiments, all documented in a working sketchbook

• Group Critiques – to present final work to tutors and your peers

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio

• % Weighting: 100%