I had a great time delivering this workshop on photographing queer identities and performance to students on the first and only MA of its kind to focus on queer performance at Rose Bruford College back in September 2023.
“I was inspired to explore the question of who holds the power - photographer or subject? I wanted to capture the power-play dynamic, who is the Dom and who is the Sub.” Image concept Rowan Faulkner, photographed by Andie Curnow, co-directed by LC during the workshop.
Following a talk and discussion about my practice, the workshop focussed on the students’ ideas and identities, providing an opportunity to explore aspects of their work and selfhood through collaborative image making.
I asked them to bring in some props to help them create their pictures and they did not disappoint! The dialogue around the objects bought in was really interesting and insightful as we got to know each other some more.
I loved looking at the inspirational images and people the students presented and hearing about why they chose them:
“I chose Marlene Dietrich because of her unapologetic way of being: a fierce, queer, anti fascist icon.”
“I chose this image because it shows a complete unrecognisable Bimini. It’s quiet and soft, a contrast to how we normally see them.”
“I chose this photo of Taylor Mac because I love the grandness of it. There’s a maximalist joy about it that screams ridiculous and fun and exciting.”
“Divine - For some reason I just can't take my eyes off of the image. Raw sexual energy and hunger comes straight out of her eyes and straight into (what's left of) my soul; every time I glance at it I can feel my energy shift. Each morning one look reminds me I, too, am a bad bitch; I can do whatever the hell I want to!”
“I chose this image because it is so rare to see two queer AFAB Jewish bodies represented, and this image is so beautiful by its softness and love.”
“In front of paintings and a messy table, stands Tove, dressed in all black. The creator of Moomins – the most surreal, queer and dreamy creatures in the history of literature. The photo looks nothing like the Moominvalley.”
“I chose a still from the Rush music video by Troye Sivan. The photo has heat and lust, but the bodies' fluidity almost shifts this into being soft and wholesome. It's the portrayal of queer connection, and although it may only be a snapshot moment in time the story of what these two men are experiencing is limitless.”
“Storme DeLarverie was a self-appointed guardian of lesbians on her block where she paraded armed and ready for any 'ugliness'. I chose this picture because it depicts Storme at different times in her life, in alternative guises, which reminds me of the shape-shifting we tend to go through over time. I like that she looks strong, soft, and in full ownership of who she is.”
“I chose this image of Pauline Oliveros hiding in plain sight in the hedgerow as I like how it’s dappled camouflage brings a gentle sincerity to the absurd but accurate claim that ‘Beethoven was a lesbian’!”
These images were produced by the students working collaboratively during the workshop, I was really impressed with how they embraced the session and threw themselves into it wholeheartedly just 4 days into a new course! It was as inspiring for me as it was for them, playful and lots of fun. I also heard that they found it “confronting but enjoyable”, “unforgettable”, “a reminder of photography beyond whats stored on a smartphone and its various uses”, “enjoyed the performance of it - making images in full view of people on campus”.
I’m always saying how much I love the capacity and power of photography to make things happen and how it can be a catalyst for fascinating conversations - this workshop was a wonderful example of this and I’m excited to see how the students develop their work and ideas during the course.
Students: Andie Curno, Charlie Williams, Frankie Howell, Heneliis Notton, Irene Pawin, Joey Winniatt-Lewis, Josie, LC, Lucy Heaton, Rowan Faulkner