Creative Conversations: Anne Ferran
Anne Ferran, image supplied by the artist. Photographer: Sandra Barnard.
Free, booking essential.
11am–11.30am: Anne Ferran in conversation with Shaune Lakin in Gallery 24
11.30am–12pm: Collection Study Room viewing
1pm–2.30pm: Cyanotype and Frottage workshop
Join leading Australian photography artist, Anne Ferran in conversation with Shaune Lakin (Senior Curator, Photography) followed by a hands-on cyanotype and frottage workshop.
Ferran’s practice unpacks the residues of Australian colonial past, with a particular interest in the lives of women and children. Both intellectually and emotionally engaging, her photographs have delved into histories of incarceration in prisons, asylums, hospitals and nurseries. They play with invisibility and anonymity and are often haunted by things unseen.
Starting in Gallery 24, the conversation will focus on Ferran’s photogram series Untitled 1998. In this series, she employs the photogram technique, in which the material object is placed directly onto photographic paper and subjected to light.
In the Collection Study Room, you will then have the opportunity view the series Soft caps 1995, which is not currently on display. Ferran will also show examples of work by other women photographers who have inspired her practice, including Anna Atkins’ botanical cyanotypes.
The conversation will be followed by a workshop with the artist exploring how the techniques of frottage and cyanotype photographic prints can be used to create lasting records of intimate and personal histories.
Creative Conversations is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. All children must be accompanied by a participating adult. No previous experience required.
This program can be Audio Described for people who are blind or with low vision, and Auslan interpreted. Please email access@nga.gov.au to book this service.
What to bring
We encourage you to bring 1-2 objects that are significant to you to use as inspiration during the workshop. You may want to consider an object:
- that reminds you of someone you love
- that is worn close to the body
- that allows light to come through
- items that have thin textures
- objects that are made of glass
- about the size of your hand
Participants are also encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the sculpture garden between the talk and workshop.
