Image taken during the Darat Al Funun Foundation residency in Jordan. All rights reserved.In March 2017, the Who Are We? Tate Exchange project explored, among other themes, contemporary discourses on migration and representations of migrants and refugees. The photographic work of Eva Sajovic framed discussion at one of the learning labs that formed part of the project. Eva’s practice pushes the boundaries of participatory and collaborative arts, challenging the dynamics of power and assumptions made by artists when working with and alongside communities of dis/placement. The learning lab, titled, Unlearning the Role of the Artist, explored the politics and ethics of representing ‘others’ in a time of global displacement, and interrogated the use of participatory arts practices, particularly participatory photography, when working with displaced populations.
In the interview that follows, Eva Sajovic reflects on the two photographic projects that framed the discussion and the questions they raise about power, agency, voice, and some of our deep-seated assumptions about the relationships and responsibilities of artists and audiences.
Framed by Eva’s participatory photography and social portraiture, the critical reflections of the artists, curators, activists, educators and academics who participated in the Learning Lab led to the emergence of a Manifesto for Unlearning. The Manifesto, edited by Agnes Czajka (AC) and Eva Sajovic (ES), has been re-printed below the interview. It is a live and evolving document – please feel free to contribute to it through the ‘comments’ section.
