Artistic participation can appear in many forms and is often thought of as direct collaboration between an artist and subject. The reality however, is that there are many modes of participation, which can be both direct and indirect. Either way the collaborative process is devised to tell a story. This might be achieved by working with a commercial platform or institution, by visually expressing the voice of others, representing or responding to a place, or it might simply be in the form of a transactional gesture. The artist might choose to work with archive material, which is an indirect collaboration between the artist and existing content, or they might work directly with members of the community to raise awareness for a cause. Whatever the reason, participation adds depth to a project by providing an additional perspective or reason for making work. As expressed in an interview with photographer Anthony Luvera:
“Involving participants as contributors to the process of representation can inscribe a different, more nuanced view.”
In his own work, Anthony collaborates on a wider scale, not only by inviting people to appear in his projects, but by responding to commissions from various organisations. By answering the call of various causes, his expertise provides an outlet to portray and respond to various subject matter, while the organisations provide the platform to make the work visible. By working collectively, project work becomes enriched and a support system is established. This is evident in his 2013 project ‘Not Going Shopping’, which explores gender identity for Queer in Brighton. The artwork creates a direct link to a marginalised community, by confidently working with people to convey a striking, positive message in a relevant and visible location.
Trump That
Alicia Bruce is a Scottish photographer that explores the connection between people, place and culture, in an investigative manner that beautifully addresses issues, by empowering the voice of her subjects. In her project ‘Menie TRUMPED’ she portrays the residents of Menie, who protested against the development of Trump’s golf course. Rather than sensationalise the subjects, as the media has done, she recreates compositions from celebrated paintings to address the importance of heritage. By doing this, she has created a body of work that respectfully represents a community in a neutral and un-biased manner.
Commercial Passion
Viewers often think of art as existing within two categories; personal and commercial. These can sometimes be described as distinct from one another, but in reality, they can become intertwined, feeding and influencing one another. As an artist develops their own aesthetic, methodologies and principles, these attract clients, organisations and institutions, and vice versa. Felicity McCabe is a photographer that advocates this within her own, diverse portfolio of work that is both independent and collective. Her love for experimental lighting and the influence of artistic contemporaries, transcends through her imagery, making it appear exciting and truly unique.
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