A History of Photography in Context: Eight Narratives at City Lit

Explore the history of photography as a shared activity in this series of lectures. Organised chronologically, the course explores eight narratives on photography through eight different collective contexts including artists’ groups, art schools, agencies and museums. Photography is often perceived as a solitary practice; one eye fixed on the world. This series of lectures explores the history of photography as a shared activity. Organised chronologically, it explores eight narratives on photography through eight different collective contexts. These include the Photographic society, the artists’ group, the art school, the Government agency, the public museum, the press agency, the University and the internet. Each has been selected to represent a pivotal moment in which the medium was advanced through shared ideas and practices. It examines both creative dialogue and occasional discord and considers the effect this has had on shaping the photography that emerged. Artists viewed through this lens will include Roger Fenton, Julia Margaret Cameron, Alfred Stieglitz, László Moholy-Nagy, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Walker Evans, Bernd and Hilla Becher and Joachim Schmid. The course will be of interest to beginners, new to the study of photographic history as well as those who have a good and wide knowledge of the subject. You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, hand-outs and health and safety information and will be invited to take part in group discussion. Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.