Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
University of Sunderland
Local, Government, People, Pholography, Politics - A photographic work exploring the workings of a local council
In 2008, Kippin was awarded an artistic residency at Cumbria County Council, supported by Arts Council England. He was invited to make a visual inquiry into the relationships between local people, local councils and local politicians. Responding to the theme of disengagement with and a perceived loss of confidence in the political process, both at a local and national level, Kippin’s research developed into a book, combining a diverse photographic narrative with written commentary.
Local looks at the possibility of a realignment of local politics, politicians and the business of councils and develops a visual rhetoric that juxtaposes council employees, council processes (such as cabinet and council meetings) and the local environment alongside one another.
The publication contains 190 pages and includes an introductory essay by John Kippin, 80 photographic images created during the residency and an essay entitled ‘On the Politics of the Local’ by Dr. Henry Kippin.
Local (ISBN: 978-0-9557478-7-8, Published by Art Editions North) is distributed by Cornerhouse Publications.
Kippin used this work as a key case study for his paper presented at ‘Exhibiting Photography’, an International Conference at the University of Westminster in 2011.
