Auto: Self-Representation and Digital Photography

Part of a research symposium series, Negative – a collaboration between Valand Academy & Hasselblad

Foundation Today we are all photographers. Self-portraits are everywhere and snapshots of our lives are circulated and shared frenetically on various social media networks. Distinctions are blurred, not only between the private and public spheres but also between professional and amateur photographic practices. This calls for increased knowledge about the performative characteristics of digitized and networked visual communication. What are the limits of automation and what is the potential of virtuality? When is visuality empowering and when is self-monitoring out of control? Auto investigates how the everyday digital photography of our times challenges notions of autobiography, interactivity, and democracy.