FEB 5-26 | Picturing America: A Historical Approach to Visual Literacy

The United States is often referred to as America. But what about the rest of the continent? This workshop introduces participants to the history of photography across the Americas. With examples from the nineteenth century to the present, we will examine how photographic practices from Buenos Aires to Vancouver historically served many of the same purposes—and how photographic imagery has been employed as a tool of empire, colonization, and the erasure of indigenous peoples. We will focus on building skills to analyze landscapes, portraits, city views, and photo essays, in order to recognize how historical tropes persist in imagery today. With newfound confidence in reading photography, participants will be able to question whether their own practice relies on visual motifs borne from history.

Workshop will take place over four online sessions on Saturdays 11am-1pm (PST), February 5, 12, 19 & 26. Workshop will consist of lecture, discussion and analytic exercises, with some academic readings provided for participants to review between sessions. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with the group between meetings (details for sharing platform to be provided to attendees). Must be 18 years old to participate; open to all skill levels.

Image credit: Both Worlds © Cecilia Paredes, 2009. Courtesy of Scheider Gallery

About the Photography as an Agent for Change Workshop Series:

Photographic Center Northwest (PCNW) is thrilled to announce our inaugural Agent for Change workshop series, in partnership with Amazon Photos. Beginning in 2022 we will offer a series of six free workshops and public lectures that explore photography as a tool for advancement in areas of social justice, racial equity, disability, environmental justice, visual literacy, storytelling, and cross cultural communications. Because the workshops are free and intended to reach a broad audience, a limited number of spots will be available to the public with the remaining spots reserved for partner nonprofits and community groups. A free public educator talk will coincide with each workshop, so if the workshop is sold out there will be another opportunity to hear the teaching artist speak on the subject.

At PCNW we are committed to providing accessible, inclusive photographic education and that often means through free programs and events. If you appreciate the work we do, please consider supporting us by donating or volunteering.