The Institute for Multidisciplinary Research in Art, together with the Centre for Contemporary Photography from Iași and the Photo-Video Specialization of the Faculty of Visual Arts and Design of the “George Enescu” National University of Arts from Iași, organized and presented on November 16, 2023 the public lecture and cooperative workshop entitled An Unromantic Take on Critical Documentary Practice, held by professor and documentary photographer Mathieu Asselin and PhD. Lecturer Lavinia German, as part of the educational event The poetics of crisis: critical perspectives in artistic research.
The public lecture held by Mathieu Asselin invited participants to challenge beliefs and perceptions about critical documentary photography, to venture into the realm of documentary practice, and to contemplate the evolving role of photographers in our complex world by exploring a series of thought-provoking questions:
- How does our point of view and engagement influence our photographic choices?
- Is photography alone sufficient in today’s society?
- Are we at risk of falling into aesthetic complacency when portraying pain and suffering, and is there a viable alternative?
Believing that art and documentary photography remain vital tools for critique, revelation, and catalyzing change, this lecture aimed to shed light on the transformative capacity of visual storytelling and its potential to inspire meaningful dialogues on pressing social and political issues.
The cooperative workshop, run by Mathieu Asselin and Lavinia German, invited attendees to bring and present an ongoing documentary photographic project, and to delve into the world of critical documentary photography for a day of exchange, mutual learning, and critical thinking by tackling topics like:
- A deeper understanding of the role and potential of documentary photography in today’s world;
- Insights into transforming outrage into productive criticism that fosters change;
- Contemplation of the ethical and aesthetic aspects of documentary practice;
- Exploration of the power of visual strategies and the possibilities (or impossibilities) of influencing society;
- Research as a tool to shape a project;
- “Show me the money” — guidance on navigating the turbulent waters of commercialization, funding, to maintain ethical coherence in work.
About critical documentary photography
Critical documentary photography is a genre of photography that goes beyond simply recording events or issues and instead seeks to engage with, critique, and challenge prevailing social, political, and cultural norms in a multilayered outcome. It uses artistic means such as visual aesthetics to effectively convey its message. This genre embraces subjectivity and allows photographers to bring their own perspectives and interpretations to the issues they document.
Mathieu Asselin is a documentary photographer, Professor at KASK and Royal Conservatory / School of Arts, University College, Ghent, Belgium. More information about his work can be found at mathieuasselin.com
Lavinia German is a PhD. Lecturer of Photography at “George Enescu” National University of Arts in Iași, specialization Photography, Video, Computer image processing.
Lecture and workshop coordinated by PhD. Lecturer Lavinia German
