Assessment

Overview

Learning Outcomes

LO1 demonstrate detailed knowledge of visual and conceptual strategies in landscape photography, the representation of place and be able to explore your own critical photographic projects.

Exploring the concept of the Sublime, (Ex 1.6),  (A1 research) and later the picturesque (Ex 3.1) has enabled me to understand the historical context of the genre of Landscape photography and how subsequent photographers have developed this.

LO2 demonstrate an awareness of the wider social and cultural contexts that surround the representation of place, and be able to discuss relevant ethical perspectives in relation to your own practice.

It was interesting to understand the gendered nature of Landscape (Ex 4.4) and how that idea is shifting in relation to Climate change and our changing relationship with the Landscape. Also how we perceive ‘wild spaces’ which traditionally related to the Countryside or Coastline now resides in what is known as Edgeland spaces (2.6) as so much of open spaces are managed for tourism and recreation.

LO3 explore and realise a range of ideas and creative starting points, and exercise judgement in the production of visual material.

The themes I have explored in my work have been centred around transition, impermanence and liminality. During lockdown, I experimented shooting urban liminal spaces which in part I think were quite successful and it was good preparation for my work for Assignment Five. My initial test shots for Assignment One may have been an interesting direction to pursue but they also laid some groundwork for Assignment Three. When it came to Assignment Three, I spent a lot of time experimenting with different views and was subsequently pleased with the final edit which I think represented a good balance of images.

LO4 manage learning resources, conduct self-directed contextual and visual research, and be able to appraise your progress with increasing confidence.

The research I did for the critical review essay was to explore photography’s position and role within the formation and reinforcement of our sense of patriotism and national identity as well as our definitions of class. In particular, the books: A Dream of England by John Taylor and Storied Ground by Paul Readman and the further reading I did around Joseph Campbells ideas on mythologies have helped me understand how Landscape imagery is so connected to our sense of identity. That some of it is pure myth. In contrast is the work of Martin Parr, who seeks to provide both a mirror and a window on British identity.

The mythology of the Landscape is probably the main topic that I’ve got from this unit. In Assignment two, I attempted to explore the mythology of the forest and in Assignment five, I used the associations of the beach as a liminal space Understanding these established mythologies enables us to use them to create our own narratives.

LO5 demonstrate increasing autonomy and a developing personal voice, and exercise your communication skills confidently and interact effectively within a learning group.

The biggest compliment I’ve had about my photography is when a peer commented that she could recognise my personal style. She found my images calm. I do feel that a personal style is developing as well as a voice that reflects my personal interests, that of Environment, a Feminine perspective/Feminist issues and understanding how visual language makes sense of our complex world.

Engaging with the Landscape group has been invaluable. At first I struggled with it but then I got to know my peers and felt I was able to contribute something helpful. I nervously presented my self-directed project and was surprised and humbled at the positive feedback but also how I had managed to communicate my ideas.

I’m keen to get back to visiting galleries. What interests me is the idea of the installation and it’s something I’m considering when I come to present my final Body of work. Also the idea of the process which I encountered when I attended a zoom presentation.