The Critical Review process was introduced as a central part of the evolution of the two-year photographic course in St Kevins College. Students will, at the beginning of each year, propose a project which will be developed ‘photographically’ throughout the year - culminating in an out-of-house exhibition in May. This process is supported by a series of critiques, with all tutors and students, which help the individual to focus on a thematic ‘Body of Work’ which can be refined through research and a picture-by-picture development of a pre-conceived idea or subject matter, in the course of eight months. There is a necessity, however, of a bond or a connection, between the creation of images and an overall thematic position.
Through this process, students are encouraged to find their own photographic personality, through a balance of freedom (of expression) and self-discipline (of strategy). Students are also encouraged to consider the complexity of the photographic practice and the multifarious considerations of building a body of work: Idea & Treatment, Fundamentals & Technique, Sequencing & Structure; as well as an awareness of contemporary aesthetic approaches to their chosen subject matter.
This years work is diverse – reflecting the multi-cultural dimension and broad demographics of the college itself. The subjects chosen by the students touch on key non-traditional and traditional disciplines such as Documentary, Fashion, Portraiture to Diaristic, Experimental, Abstract, etc; as well as issues relating to social, cultural, historical and personal enviornments. Presented here is a small selection of some ongoing works:
Images:
c. Fiona Scott, c. Lucia Gutierez, c. Marco Navarro, c. Joshua Whelan, c. Alex Hutchinson, c. Luca Truffarelli
Photos:
Claire Purcell
Text:
Martin Cregg
