Online seminar: The Political Geographies of the Archive / 17 and 24 September 2020

[Michael Pritchard]

This two-part online research seminar event raises questions about how archives of ‘vernacular’ photographs inform and shape our understanding of both the present and the past. During the presentations, each speaker will examine how archives are re-activated within contemporary photographic practice as potential sites of critical political significance. Whilst the starting point originates with the material culture of the archive itself, the political relationships within the selected photographic materials will be critically evaluated. These discussions aim to expose and debate the continued complexity of gender, sexuality, race, class and politics held within the photographic archive.

Part 1 – The Personal Is Still Political
17th September 2020 
Sian Macfarlane, Coventry University (30 mins)
Lizzie Thynne, Professor of Film at Sussex University (30 mins)
Chair: Caroline Molloy, Programme Leader in Fine Art and Photography at UCA Farnham

Part 2 – The Living Memory Project
24th September 2020 
Geoff Broadway, Director of the Living Memory Project (30 mins)
Caroline Molloy, Living Memory Bursary Artist in Residence (20 mins)
Harmeet Chagger-Khan, Living Memory Artist in Residence (20 mins)
Chair: Dr Nicky Bird, Reader in Contemporary Photographic Practice, Glasgow School of Art

Family Ties Network:
The Political Geographies of the Archive
Online Research Seminar
17th and 24th September 2020 1800-1930
Registration is free but you will need to book a place to receive the Zoom links for the sessions. The links will be sent out shortly before the scheduled event. Book here

Image Credit: Swimmers at Reedswood Park open air pool, early 20th Century, courtesy of Walsall Archive used in the Women of Walsall Living Memory Project by Caroline Molloy