THE LIVING PICTURES

OPENING THE PHOTOGRAPH THROUGH PERFORMANCE METHODOLOGIES

2017 – 2026

Doctoral research at the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM), University of Westminster, London.

The Living Pictures presents practice-based research encompassing a collection of interlinked exhibitions, performances, installations and workshops which have taken place intensively over a nine-year period, spanning 2017 – 2025. These research outcomes, under the umbrella title The Living Pictures, attempt to open new dialogues within contemporary photography, presenting dynamic systems of display, experience and significantly, interaction. As a whole, this research presents an inquiry into contemporary photography through the materiality of the medium within staged, phenomenological environments and collaborative performances. Exhibitions and related events have taken place internationally, including The National Gallery (London), The National Museum of Art (Riga), Tate Modern (London), Van Gogh House (London), Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Royal College of Art (London), Materia Gallery (Rome) and the Royal Academy of Arts (London).

Underpinned by performance methodologies, the exhibitions and performance projects which are at the centre of this research explore the photographic image in response to moments in art history and sites of architecture. The Living Pictures scrutinise, test and open the photographic image and conventions of display through installations and performances which are conceived as ‘invitations’ for the audience. Here, the body of both collaborating performers and public audience is a vital site to explore, gather, challenge, collaborate and connect through new access points within temporal spaces with undefined outcomes.

About CREAM

Established in 2002, the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media, University of Westminster, is a world-leading centre and pioneer in practice-based, critical, theoretical and historical research in art, creative and interdisciplinary practice. CREAM’s research areas encompass Film and Media; Art and Society; Photography; Fashion and Music. Our researchers work across these areas and develop interdisciplinary projects, platforms and networks with external and international partners. 

CREAM researchers are leading artists, filmmakers, photographers, curators, theorists, critics, historians, designers and musicians. We integrate research activities into teaching UG and PG levels and PhD supervision across areas of art, film, media, television, creative practice, photography, technology, music, fashion, visual culture, with an emphasis on fostering interdisciplinary intersections. CREAM staff are largely based in the Westminster School of Arts, and a small number are in the School of Media and Communication, and School of Humanities.