Symposium: 'On Perfection'

Thursday 2 February, 9.45am–5.45pm + Friday 3 February, 9.45am–4.30pm This two-day event aims to explore the ways in which artists engage with ideas of Perfection. An eclectic group of artists and writers whose lens-based practices engage or disrupt ideas of Perfection, will present works which question how these ideas shape our personal identities, and our social and political systems. The programme includes formal papers, screenings, artist talks, conversation and performance, new works by emerging artists, and presentations from international guests. 

Participants include: Marco Bohr, Photographer and Lecturer in Visual Communications, Loughborough University, Clive Cazeaux, Reader in Aesthetics, Cardiff School of Art and Design, Charlotte Cotton, Creative Director, National Media Museum, Leslie Dick, Co-Director, Art Program, CalArts, Liam Devlin, Photographer and Lecturer, eCPR/ Goldsmiths, Mark Durden, Artist and Professor of Photography, University of Wales, Newport, David Evans, Senior Lecturer in the History and Theory of Photography, Arts University College at Bournemouth, Oriana Fox, Artist, Catherine Grant, Writer and lecturer, Visual Cultures, Goldsmiths, Mark Godfrey, Curator, Tate Modern, Michal Heiman, Artist and Lecturer at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Jerusalem and the Faculty of Arts, Tel Aviv University, Sarah James, writer and lecturer, UCL, Jo Longhurst, Artist, Leverhulme Fellow, eCPR, Ray Müller, Director, ‘The Wonderful Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl’, Francette Pacteau, Writer and lecturer, Royal College of Art, Julian Rosefeldt, Artist, Aaron Schuman, Photographer, Curator, Editor of SeeSaw Magazine, Eva Stenram, Artist, Jonathan Whitehall, Artist and lecturer, London Metropolitan University and artists Jane and Louise Wilson. 

 Session 1 Chair: Aaron Schuman, Photographer, Curator, Editor of SeeSaw Magazine Dr Mark Durden, Professor of Photography, University of Wales , Newport , ‘Defining the Moment’ Eva Stenram, Artist, ‘Despoiling the Ideal’ Organised by Jo Longhurst, in collaboration with European Centre for Photographic Research, University of Wales, Newport and The Photographers’ Gallery. Supported by Arts Council England and Leverhulme Trust.