Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150

This unit explores pre and early photography, the raw aesthetic nature and history of low-grade technologies and processes. The notions of primitive, “concrete”, basic and anti-technological image making are explored and critically evaluated. Methods of production employed by historical and contemporary practitioners will be discussed in lecture and seminar context. Through critical discussion the unit engages you in considering possible ways in which to develop these strategies in future projects

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit:

• Camera Obscura and Camera Lucida 
• Historical and contemporary modes of primitive production 
• The Antiquarian Avant-Garde
• The photographic fault as a visual and aesthetic opportunity 
• The camera-less or “concrete” photographic Image 
• Use of the photocopy, fax, CCTV, Super 8 cine, pixilation, mobile phone, video-phone, photo-booth and the degraded digital image

Method of Delivery
Seminars, lectures, tutorials, viewings, critique, independent research and learning.

Aims

A1 To provide opportunities for you to develop a sound knowledge through experimentation and exploration of the technologies and contexts used to produce „primitive‟ photographic work.
A2 To provide an opportunity for you to acquire a sound knowledge of „primitive‟ photographic capture techniques.
A3 To communicate your concept accurately.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate the ability to use relevant methods to make „primitive‟ photographic work.
LO2 Demonstrate the ability to communicate and contribute constructively to group discussions.
LO3 Demonstrate the ability to use relevant technical methods in the experimental production of „primitive‟ photography.

Reference Material

Key
Greene, Alan (2001) Primitive Photography: A Guide to Making Cameras, Lenses, and Calotypes London: Focal Press.
Jäger,Gottfried with Rolf H. Krauss and Beate Reese (2005) Concrete Photography Stuttgart: Kerber Verlag.
Van Roojen, Pepin (2005) Non Facture: Rejected Photographs (Agile Rabbit Editions) Amsterdam: Pepin Press
Packe, Roderick (ed.) (2003) Optic Nerve – Abstract Colour Photography Ipswich: Ipswich Borough Council.
Rexler, Lyle (2002) Photography’s Antiquarian Avant-Garde: The New Wave in Old Processes New York: Harry N. Abrams Inc.

Recommended
Crary, Jonathan (1995) Techniques of the Observer - On vision & modernity in the nineteenth century Cambridge, Mass.,: The MIT Press
Evans, Jessica and Stuart Hall (eds) (1999) Visual Culture - the reader London: Sage Publications
Farber, Richard (1998) Historic Photographic Processes: A Guide to Creating Handmade Photographic Images New York: Allworth Press.
Galassi, Peter (1981) Before Photography – Painting and the Invention of Photography New York: The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Mirzoeff, Nicholas (1999) An Introduction to Visual Culture London: Routledge