40133 - AFPG - Lab-based Course on Photography I

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the students know the main theoretical foundations of photography useful to clarify the process that leads to the creation of the image, analogical and digital. They acquire, through the control of the frame and the study of the composition, a technique of representation of the landscape and architecture.

Course contents

Peter Puklus: Creative and Experimental Photography

Unprecedented Images of Objects
A materials-based photography course with Peter Puklus.

Readings/Bibliography

A History of Pictures
From the Cave to the Computer Screen
David Hockney, Martin Gayford
Thames&Hudson, 2016, London

 

Hilde Østby:
The Key to Creativity: The Science Behind Ideas and How Daydreaming Can Change the World
Greystone Books, 2023, Vancouver

 

Rick Rubin: The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Canongate Books, 2023, Edinburgh

Teaching methods

Body + Object + Installation. You will take portraits and self-portraits, still lives and others. You will work individually and in small and bigger teams/groups and in different sessions.

This course is about understanding how 'object' simultaneously refers to 'mind-maps' , 'motifs' and 'cross-temporary dialogue' in terms of photography and creation in general. We will explore how to inspire each other and how to teamwork. Working in teams and individually I would like to invite you to study and question yourselves and your connection to the surrounding world – including your teammates, friends, and the constructed world. Also, I would like to ask you to bring in and connect your personal experience and personality through this creative process.

Assessment methods

Throughout the work process, students are required to communicate the progress of their work through the presentation of image collections but also notes of intent, visualization diagrams, publication mock-ups, or other forms. The presentation can be made orally during individual or group meetings, but also, where appropriate, through documents transmitted electronically.

Teaching tools

Personal objects and tools to bring to all of the meetings:
your camera and laptop.


Plus please bring two objects from your own home for the first day: one object that you like and an object that you dislike. These should be objects that you can spare during the semester and keep in the classroom. Along with the objects you are asked to write down and print out in 5-10 phrases your description and personal relation to the objects.


Additionally, please bring a reproduction of two artworks from any period of the history of art. They can be paintings, sculptures, photographs, or anything. One is what you like and what inspires you and another with which you have doubts, questions, and concerns. The reproductions can be in any physical form: an album, catalog, or even a small printed preview.


Moreover, please bring two works of yours, from any previous projects related or not related to photography. One should be a work with which you are really satisfied and proud, and another which you think would need more development. These also should be in a physical form: a preview print and/or the work itself.


Summary


2 objects from home (one what you like, the other you don’t)
2 reproductions of artworks from the history of art (one inspirational, the other with doubts)
2 works of yours (one you are proud of, the other are not so sure about)
All in physical form.


Tools that you need to bring/organize yourself for every meetings during the course:


Classroom: tables, chairs, printer, projector, whiteboard with pens. Speakers for music.
Stage elements: unused exhibition materials like old frames, pedestals, panels, and tripods.
Office tools: pencils, pens, markers, tapes, post-its, scissors, cutters, glue, some color papers, A1-A2 size, different colors… etc.
Painting tools: brushes, paints, sprays, papers, etc.
Building materials for maquettes: clay, plasticine, cardboard, glue.
Studio elements: Colored fabrics and textiles. Ladders. Studio lighting. Tripod, etc.
If possible, please leave your materials in the classroom during the semester.


Printer


We will need a printer during the course.


Additional works


A booklet, diary or notebook that each student has to make and send it to me in the next few weeks. We will discuss this in details during the week.


Volunteers


I would like to ask volunteers to take extra responsibility in the followings besides their participation at the course.
Manager: collects selected images from participants, arranges them in folders by name/day on her/his own laptop. Shares the folders with the course participants and prepares selected images for printing and prints them.
Photo documentation: documents the course from different angles with photography.
Video documentation: documents the course from different angles with video.
Archive: a person who collects all results from each day.
Mood manager: plays great music 🙂


Portfolio


Please announce beforehand if you want to ask me to reserve some time for solo portfolio consultation. Both after or during the meetings seem to be convenient.


Language


English and French

Links to further information

https://peterpuklus.com/unibo24/

Office hours

See the website of Peter Puklus