To coincide with the current Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition at Stills, After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989-2024, we are excited to announce a special 1-day Masterclass with the photographer, Hannah Starkey.
Hannah Starkey photographs women set against urban backdrops where elements of street photography and cinematic narrative are evident in her work. Her photographs focuses on the female perspective and experience, often revealing women in moments of private reflection, alienation or social interaction that might otherwise go unseen.
Many of Starkey’s photographs are staged: a scenario is chosen by the artist; real people or actors are cast as the characters; a location is found. At other times, when an image has been inspired by a particular location, Starkey goes to that location and hopes to find the right character.
“I look for things in the world that I know will photograph particularly well and they’re part of my visual language. For example, that might be reflections, or mirrors, something fluid. I’m always looking for ways to create movement and depth in the frame. You know, surfaces and shapes that gives it an extra layer of abstraction. If you think about a photograph as being mute, two-dimensional and static, then I’m trying to counteract that: to counter what’s expected from a photograph so it becomes something other than just a photograph on a wall, it can become an experience, in a way.” Hannah Starkey
Through group reviews and 1-to-1’s, this critical 1-day workshop aims to develop and conceptualise your photographic project ideas. From newly started projects, to ongoing, long-term bodies of work, this workshop is intended for you to discover new elements in your practice that will push your project beyond the ubiquitous to become unique.
Morning Seminar (1.5hrs) 11am-12.30pm
Hannah will open the day by presenting on their practice and experience.
This will be followed by an open group discussion and Q&A
Afternoon Group Crit (2hrs) 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Participants present work in progress on a project for group discussion and development
Participant to prepare a 5-10 minute presentation to share for peer discussion and review*
Afternoon Part 2. (1.5hrs) Masterclass Artist 1:1’s 4pm-5.30pm
Each participant has a 10 minute 1:1 review with Hannah
*You can present your work digitally or in print.
Whilst the 1:1’s take place, each participant will receive a full induction to Stills’ resource facilities, worth the value of £25. This induction will provide you with full future access to our Black and White and Colour Darkrooms, Digital Printing, Editing, and Scanning facilities. More information about our Production Facilities can be found here.
Hannah Starkey Biography:
Hannah has exhibited all over Europe including at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin; Fotografie, Cologne; Tanya Bonakdar Gallery, New York; Cornerhouse, Manchester; Ormeau Baths Gallery Belfast; Maureen Paley, London, and the Mead Gallery, Warwick. She has been awarded the Vogue Condé Nast Award (1997); the 3rd International Tokyo Photo Biennale’s Award for Excellence (1999), the St. James Group Ltd Photography Prize (2002), and the Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (2019).
Image : Untitled 2022, 2022 © Hannah Starkey
Assisted Places
As part of our commitment to the advancement, enjoyment, exploration and understanding of photography in Scotland and an extension of our Courses, Facilities and Creative Learning programmes, we are offering one fully-funded place on this Masterclass.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to anyone, of any age, living in Scotland and facing financial barriers.
A guide to what these barriers are is as follows – this is not exhaustive, and if you have any questions around this please email courses@stills.org. All questions will be treated in confidence.
You may be eligible for Assisted Places if you fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
- I frequently stress about basic* needs and don’t always achieve them.
- I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs.
- I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
- I sometimes can’t afford public or private transport. If I own a car/have access to a car, I am not always able to afford petrol.
- I am unemployed or underemployed.
- I qualify for government and/or voluntary assistance including: food banks and benefits.
- I have no access to savings.
- I have no or very limited expendable** income.
- I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them.
- I cannot afford a holiday or have the ability to take time off without financial burden.
*BASIC NEEDS include food, housing, clothing and transportation.
**EXPENDABLE INCOME might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the cinema or a concert, buy new clothes, books and similar items each month, etc.
How do I apply?
Please follow the link below to fill out the application form. Due to high demand, this assisted place will be operating on a first come first serve basis.
If you would prefer to submit a video application please send an mp4 file, no longer than 5 minutes, to Evan, courses@stills.org.
Courses are subject to minimum enrolment. Please register early, within five days of the start date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation.
Please read our cancellation policy before booking.
For this and Joanne Coate’s Masterclass, students can claim a 25% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code STUDENT25 when prompted at checkout.
Anyone over the age of 65 and those in receipt of any form of benefits can claim the concessionary price, offering a 10% discount on the full course price. Valid proof of eligibility must be produced on the first day of the course. Please use the code CONCESSION when prompted at checkout.
