Psychogeography
& The Poetics of Space
A five-day workshop in Athens.
A different approach to urban photography and street photography.
Psychogeography is an activity that originated in the avant-garde. Although its practice and theory can be traced back to the “art of pleasant wandering” of the flâneurs in 19th-century Paris, the term was coined by French theorist Guy Debord in 1955, who defines psychogeography as “the study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organized or not, on the emotions and behaviors of individuals”. In his work “The Poetics of Space” (1958), a lyrical exploration of interior space, French philosopher Gaston Bachelard highlights the importance of imagination and poetic imagery as methods of escaping the contemporary automatism of visual perception.
The workshop introduces inventive visual strategies within a playful, interactive, and participatory way of exploring the city, leading the individual away from predictable paths to a new and heightened awareness of the urban landscape and their place within it. Participants will be invited to photograph, explore, and understand the city from unusual perspectives. To understand and interpret the concept of the poetics of space, and to use photography to capture the essence of an ordinary, everyday space through creative imagination.
On the final evening students will present their work in process to a public audience. This presentation can take the form of an open-air slideshow or a gallery exhibition.
PROGRAMME:
Day 1.
Introductory lecture on the meaning and various interpretations of psychogeography, tracing the history of the ‘drifter’ sensibility from William Blake in the 18th century to contemporary writers and practitioners. A look at examples of psychogeographic works by artists, film-makers and photographers. A group discussion on possible project strategies from students.
Day 2.
In the morning students will articulate more clearly strategies to begin projects. Discussion on problem solving and then projects begin on the streets of Athens.
Day 3.
Meeting in morning for group critique and then shooting.
Day 4.
Individual tutorials in morning and then shooting.
Day 5.
Editing work and preparation for evening presentation.
PLACE: Athens, Greece (venue TBA).
DATES: TBA
All students will need to arrive the day before the workshop starts. The organiser will find cheap and appropriate accommodation for 6 days.
WORKSHOP FEE:
Including: coffee, tea and snacks during meetings.
Excluding: accommodation, travel, meal, dinner, taxes, personal or other on ground expenses.
— Earlybird (tba): 380€
— Regular (tba): 460€
— 25% discount to returning students
APPLICATION:
The workshop is limited to 8 participants and is open to all.
Application deadline: (tba)
Application is made by sending e-mail to: workshops@kasimisphotography.com
Please include:
— full name,
— some ID photo,
— phone number (not obligatory but helpful),
— link to a personal website (please, no flikr/Facebook albums or Instagram accounts).
If you don’t have a website, please attach a zip file with 20—25 photographs (.jpg images, 1200px long side, 72dpi) and a short personal statement (100 words max.)
Applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected applicants will be contacted with payment details. After receiving full payment, registration will be finalized and participants will be contacted with venue details and directions, full workshop program, and additional assistance.
Cancellations and refunds:
Should you withdraw from participation in the workshop up to April 10th, half of the tuition fee will be refunded. After this limit, no refund can be made. The workshop may be canceled in the case of serious constrains. In such an unlikely event, a full refund of the paid fee will be made.
REQUIREMENTS:
The workshop is designed for photographers with understanding of the photographic process. You should arrive with working knowledge of your equipment and ready to shoot. Although analogue photography is welcome, it is recommended to use digital. During the critique and photo editing sessions we will use electronic equipment, so having your own laptop is required. You should be able to download, select, make minor corrections and export the images to a portable device on your own.
INSTRUCTION LANGUAGE: English