Calum Colvin, renowned Scottish artist and Professor of Fine Art photography at the University of Dundee in Scotland will embark on a major lecture tour of the United States this weekend, teaching and promoting his new course for aspiring artistic photographers.
Calum and Graham Smith, Professor of Art History at the University of St Andrews will visit the Wesleyan University in Connecticut, the University of Maryland and the University of the South in Tennessee, lecturing, teaching and promoting a new course for postgraduates, run by these two top universities in Scotland.
Colvin works at the boundary of painting, photography, sculpture and electronic imaging exploring ideas of national identity, sexuality and contemporary culture. These images are combined in the processes of construction, painting and photography in order to create a multi-referential artwork of great effect.
Graham Smith is Professor of Art History at the University of St Andrews and Editor of History of Photography an international journal devoted exclusively to the history and criticism of photography. He has lectured widely in the US, Italyand the UKand is author of Sun Pictures in Scotland, Disciples of Light: Photographs in the Brewster Album and From Ansel Adams to Andy Warhol.
The new course that these experts are recruiting students for will build on a foundation of historical study, exploring the medium of fine art photography in all of its facets. The practical options will enable students to articulate their ideas through the making of photographs. Students will be encouraged to experiment with portraiture, constructed image, installation and documentary practices. An informed practice of photography will acknowledge the heterogeneous traditions of fine art and visual culture.
The University of St Andrews played a pivotal role in the establishment of photography in Scotlandin the early 1840s. Sir David Brewster, Principal of the United College was the catalyst for the first experimental works in photography by John and Robert Adamson in St Andrews.
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design is one of the premiere institutions in the UK to offer instruction in practical photographic studies. This strength builds on a tradition extending back to the early 1960s, when photography was first introduced as a main area of study.
The new course is a project of the Promoting Partnership Initiative a programme that harnesses expertise in the Universities of St Andrews and Dundee, identifying areas of collaboration to build excellent learning and teaching programmes.
To arrange an interview with Calum Colvin call Jenny Marra on 001 44 1382 344910 who will put you in touch with Calum in the US.
Calum and Graham will be in Connecticut from 10th - 12th November, Baltimore, 13th November, Sewanee, Tennessee, 17th - 20th November.
By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk