Thinking Photography Today

Since its invention in the 19th century, photography quickly became a globally influential medium. Today it seems that everything from politics to daily life is always already mediated through photography. This research group serves as a common forum for researchers in the Department of Arts and Cultural Studies working with and on photography, highlighting photographic studies as an important part of the department’s research profile.

Group members cover a wide range of research subjects, periods, and geographies, including the family photo album, depictions of space explorations, American reform photography around 1900, and the contemporary iconoclasm of Islamic State. At the same time, the projects are inspired by a broad range of cultural theories and methodologies, and while some approach the medium primarily as a cultural artefact, others also center on its role as creative process.

The group meets once a month to workshop writing-in-progress and discuss theory and methods. We also invite guest researchers for our workshops. In 2022 we were working with the theme of the “minor figure” and therefore we have had Sara Blair (University of Michigan) and Tina Campt (Brown University) as our guest speakers.

Coordinator: Mette Sandbye

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