Scholar Duncan Wooldridge visits Michaelis
In mid-October we were privileged to host Duncan Wooldridge as a Visiting Scholar. Duncan Wooldridge is a photographer, writer, and curator. The purpose of this grant is to bring eminent academics from outside South Africa to UCT, to provide an academic stimulus by means of lectures, seminars or similar contributions within the University. The visit was arranged by Associate Professors Svea Josephy and Jean Brundrit.
Until recently Duncan lectured at Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London (UAL). He has now taken up a new position at Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). Duncan is the co-founder of the Global Photographies Network which initiates and fosters conversations and collaborations on photography which have a transnational view. Michaelis has been a partner in the Global Photographies Network since 2020.
Duncan is an artist, a critic and essayist in magazines and books. He has written regularly for Art Monthly, Artforum, Over (PhotoIreland), FOAM (Amsterdam), and 1000 Words Photography Magazine. He has contributed to books and essays in monographs. He is the author of To Be Determined: Photography and the Future. He is co-editor (with Lucy Soutter) of the Routledge Companion to Global Photographies which several Michaelis alumni and staff have contributed to - this book which will be published in 2024.
During his visit Duncan participated in a range of academic activities including discussions with staff, meeting MA Students and Tierney Fellows. He took part in a post graduate reading group and studiowork critiques with 3rd and 4th years and delivered a brilliant lunch time lecture which was well attended. His lecture entitled Photography and the Future troubled the notion that a photograph is a record of the past and thought through some of the many futures a photograph might have.
Duncan was also able to take in the local art scene and attended exhibitions at a number of museums and galleries.
We are very thankful to Duncan for giving us his time, intelligence, and thoughtfulness and to UCT for supporting this knowledge exchange.
