Counterpoint - UWE Photography Symposium 2026

11am - 6pm
Arnolfini Theatre, Bristol

Counterpoints - the annual symposium organised by UWE Photography and the VAMP research group.

Tickets are free and open to all, but pre-booking is required to reserve a seat due to limited capacity.

Speaking on the day will be: Anna Fox, Amak Mahmoodian, Claire Hewitt, John Spinks, Lydia Goldblatt, Laura Hynd and Sadie Catt.

Running order detailed below.

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At a time when generative AI is eating into the realm of the professional photographer and effecting the public perception of the medium, personal self-initiated work remains a beacon in the photographic landscape. Often produced in book form, this kind of work has shifted our notion of what the art of photography can be, from a single image decisive moment to a much more nuanced and rich photographic narrative. The format has also opened the door to a more fruitful relationship between images and words that goes beyond mere illustration or explanation. The idea behind this symposium is to explore ways in which artists might use image and text in counterpoint to enrich a personal narrative.

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RUNNING ORDER
(please note: exact timings might be subject to change)

11:00 - Introduction - Jim Campbell / John House

11:30 - John Spinks The Book of Revelation

12:30 - Lydia Goldblatt, Clare Hewitt & Sadie Catt in conversation.

13:45 - Lunch

14:30 - Anna Fox Free Camping

15:30 - Laura Hynd Letters while you sleep

16:15 - Break

16:45 - Amak Mahmoodian & Jim Campbell in Conversation

18.00 - Close

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Host or Publisher UWE Photography & VAMP