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Resisting representation: photographing diffractively

Smith, Vivian Cooper ( 2017)

This research project begins by asking, “can a photograph resist its representationalist apparatus?” It proposes that if the mechanisms of photographic representation could be used against photography’s inherent representationalism, an alternative way of seeing and being in the world may be revealed. This question is approached through a material engagement with photographic processes that encompass studio and gallery situations. When difficulties were encountered attempting to overturn entrenched photographic representation, research led the project to adopt a diffractive methodology. First articulated by Karen Barad and Donna Haraway, a diffractive methodology is used to work with, instead of against, differences across disciplines. Key to this is an understanding of the constitutive role of the apparatus in the creation of knowledge including the performative role of the artist and viewer. Using the principles of this methodology I have devised a series of techniques aimed at disrupting and dispersing a photograph’s representational apparatus so that an alternative to representationalism may be revealed. These techniques are applied to the processes of studio based making as well as the presentation of photographs in a gallery.