Westminster holds conference on the making of virtual photography

The event offered insight into the shift in the production, dissemination and consumption of photographs in the ever-growing technological world. Computer automation, connectivity and algorithmic control, as well as recent developments of AI systems and expanded technologies, have exponentially transformed the possibilities for image making and the ways in which photographic images might be created and used within and beyond virtual space.

The two-day conference took place across Westminster’s Little Titchfield Street site and The Photographers’ Gallery which has a long history of showcasing both old and emerging talent. Each day saw a variety of panel discussions and Q&A sessions where industry professionals explored topics surrounding virtual photography. These included looking at the machine as a co-creator, generative politics and activism and new practices in visual computational art, to name just a few.

The event was convened by David Bate, Professor of Photography, and Dr Paula Gortázar, Senior Lecturer in Photography.         

Paula Gortázar said: “At a time when we are all thinking about the future of photography, its education, shifting industries and emerging virtual technologies; a time of expansion and transformation of what might be defined as a photographic image, we were delighted to organise the International Conference Photography in Virtual Culture at the University of Westminster. The event brought together 26 artists and academics from 12 different countries across four continents, bringing together a diverse mix of practices, theories and critical ideas that made the conference a ground-breaking, pivotal event for the thinking and making of virtual photography.”

This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more about the Expanded Photography MA as well as Fashion Photography BA Honours and Photography BA Honours courses at the University of Westminster.