Shifting destinations: exploring critical photographic practice in the context of emerging technologies

Abstract

Undergraduate students electing to study imaging encounter the challenge of developing their practice both technically and in terms of critical or theoretical agendas.

In order to align theoretical and practical learning, the team at UCA Maidstone developed units and teaching strategies which challenged institutional and cultural divisions between the technical and the critical. Using insights from Actor Network Theory and Fine Art practice, as well as a solid understanding of professional contexts, the team worked with online publication, street workshops, and experimental studio work, challenging students to open the ‘black box’ of imaging and media technologies.

This paper will reflect on attempts by students and staff to critique vernacular uses of image production and distribution technologies, exploring new opportunities and encountering potential dangers. The challenge of defamiliarising the user-friendly world of contemporary media requires inventive solutions and an awareness of how critical practice needs to adapt to technologies which dictate their own representation, and present a seamless interface to uncritical consumers.