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Od února
do června 2008 se dvě skupiny školáků učily nejen technicky zvládnout vznik
černobílé fotografie, její vyvolání a základní kompoziční pravidla, ale vnímat
fotografii také jako prostředek sebevyjádření a komunikace.
Together About
Ourselves – the local media project of Multicultural Center Prague
There are two basic questions that build the main idea of the
whole project:
„When was the last time
you took photographs?“
„What did you depict in
those pictures and why?“
Starting in February 2008, two groups of young kids from two
different secondary schools based in Prague learnt how to handle black and
white photography, its technique and composition as well as possibilities that
this traditional medium brings along. The black and white photography was
perceived as an important medium in the processes of mutual communication and
self-expression.
There were two groups that participated in the project that
lasted from February to June 2008. The first group consisted of pupils from the
Secondary School Havlickovo Namesti located in Prague´s district Zizkov known
for its significant size of Roma community living there. The second secondary
school was based in Modrany, one of the biggest housing estates of Prague.
The workshops – as the vital part of our project – took place
at the schools under the leadership of David Kummermann, Simon Chang and Karel
Tuma, professional and experienced photographers. Every other week, the kids
gathered and met up with the
photographers. During their lessons they discussed their own
photographs, problems that emerged in the process of taking the photographs and
their further ideas where to aim the attention. In the meantime, the kids worked
on their „homeworks“ that consisted of such tasks like taking a self-portrait,
try to capture the typical situation in their homes and among friends groups.
,,Our aim is not to
lecture them on the plurality of cultures, but through the authentic experience
rouse their attention and interest about such topics. The contribution of the
workshops will be the cultivation of their photographic vision, deeper
understanding of image itself as well as getting on with the kids from the
partner group from the other school“, explain the photographers, leaders of the
workshops.
In May, the two groups met and
set off on a journey: together they took pictures between the walls of mental
home in Bohnice, Prague.
„At first, we expected
to see pictures that we´ve seen so many times already – pictures of a naive
character and a simple message. But now, when we have a look at the pictures
taken by the kids we worked with, we can see very clear and simple works of
art, not embellished with unnecessary effects. The pictures – as we see them –
are very sincere and true when it comes to their contents and meanings. The
pictures are like life stories of 12-13 years old kids that depict some of the
important moments of their lives that are still clouded with secret for us“, conclude
the photographers.
The
resulting photographs coming from the workshops are going to be shown to broad
public through the exhibition called „Together About Ourselves“ that is going
to take place in Prague from October 2008.
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