This course was an interdisciplinary and research based seminar. It was planned in cooperation with the curatorial team of the international Biennale für Aktuelle Fotografie 2017 (Mannheim-Ludwigshafen-Heidelberg). Following the main curatorial note for the festival we elaborated on major shifts in contemporary image culture which includes changes in current as well as historic perspectives on the medium of photography. Approaching photography as well as the institution of a photo-festival from an art historical and anthropological perspective, students engaged with theories about curation as well as photography. In reference to selected artists and works (still to be announced), themes and case studies shall serve as basis for students to conceptualize and conduct small research projects, which were envisaged to contribute to the overall curatorial agenda and mediation in museums, galleries and the public space. Thus students learnt in class, during guided tours with curators, and in joint projects to employ central methods such as interviews, description and analysis of photographic works, and conducting research in the field of photography (including archives, databases and social media).
Cathrine Bublatzky 