Photocyanthesis, a group of 14-19 year olds from Photoworks’ Photography Club, were inspired by the Museum of Transology and Queer Looks displays at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery to create work exploring their lives and identities.
“Photography Club has been fun. I like working with other people with the same interests and passions. We have worked really well together. It’s been difficult, but good giving it a go and learning new methods.” Holly, 14
The group worked with photographer Lynn Weddle, specialist support worker Reuben Davidson and Royal Pavilion & Museums’ Youth Engagement Team. Taking themes of LGBTQ+ identity and representation, the young people investigated work by artists identifying as LGBTQ+ and explored narratives and self-representation.
The group used camera-less photography techniques, building camera obscuras and experimenting with cyanotype prints. Invented in 1842, cyanotype is a photographic process that uses sunlight and paper treated with iron salt solutions to create a cyan-blue print. For their exhibition the group created cyanotype self-portraits that explore ideas of self with images, texts and drawings layered into the blueprints.
Blueprint was displayed at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery from 4 May to 9 June 2019.
Photoworks’ Photography Club is an initiative enabling 14–19 year olds from Brighton & Hove to meet regularly, develop their camera skills, produce photography and gain an Arts Award certificate. Photoworks’ spring 2019 Photography Club was delivered in partnership with Royal Pavilion & Museums.