Working with Photographs: Theories and Practice
8th of June, 10h-12h, 14h-16h
Bâtiment de Recherche Sud, Salle 4.023
Campus Condorcet
This masterclass offers an introduction to the histories and theories of photography with the aim of exploring the possibilities and limits of working with—and thinking through—photographs. Structured in three parts the seminar develops through a series of questions. What can you ask a photograph? What is a photograph? What do you see? What does it say? The seminar combines mini-lectures, close reading of key texts, analysis of photographs, group discussions, and reflective writing. Readings will include essays or excerpts by Deborah Poole, Patricia Hayes, Roland Barthes, Ariella Azoulay, Susan Sontag, and Solomon Godeau.
Giulia Paoletti is Associate Professor in the Department of Art at the University of Virginia and Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Art, Film and Visual Studies at Harvard University (2025-26). Her research focuses on the histories of modern art and photography in Africa. She is currently working on her second research project on the intermedial history of photography and textile arts in Africa.