'The Family Photograph in Contemporary Art' with Kevin James (two part workshop - 10th Nov & 8th Dec)

Join us for two consecutive monthly evening workshops with photographer and ZING member, Kevin James, at God’s House Tower (GHT), offered as part of our ZING monthly social. This is an exciting opportunity to explore ways of using old family photographs in the production of contemporary art across a range of artistic practice. These workshops are free, however booking is essential - please read the full description. 

The first workshop, held on Tuesday 10th November, will consider how and why family photography developed, looking in particular at how the meaning of family photographs changes over time, and exploring some of the ideas behind their interpretation. Participants will be invited to discuss and share their own interpretation of of family photography in order to form some common understanding within the group. The work of four contemporary artists in the fields of sculpture, photography and writing will be discussed. Kevin will show some examples of his own recent work on the topic.

Between the two sessions, participants will be invited to produce work of their own, in their chosen field – which can be seen as an opportunity to consolidate existing ideas or to explore something new.

In the second session, held on Tuesday 8th December, participants will be invited to share their ideas and present the work they have produced in the intervening period.

The GHT café and bar will be open throughout the evening serving drinks and, alongside the workshop, you’re welcome to explore the exhibitions.

Important information

This is a two-part workshop happening across the evenings of Tuesday 10th November and Tuesday 8th December. By booking this workshop, you are committing to both dates. If you are unable to make the second one for whatever reason that's totally fine, but please let ZING Coordinator Lucie know by email: zing@zestartscollective.com.

Please arrive promptly at 6pm. The workshop will start at around 6:15pm and will last for approximately 2 hours.

If you have booked a ticket and can no longer attend, please let Lucie know in advance by email: zing@zestartscollective.com.

Preparation for the workshops

• A short reading list will be provided but it is not essential to pursue it.

Overview of what to expect: workshop 1

• A discussion around participants’ perceptions of family photography. 
• Review of some photographic theory.
• Review and discuss the work of four artists in the fields of sculpture, photography and writing (Rachel Liu, Susan Meiselas, Christian Boltanski, Janet Malcolm).
• Kevin will present his recent work.
• Discuss approaches to making work.

Between workshops

• Participants produce work of their own choosing, ready to bring to the second workshop.

Overview of what to expect: workshop 2

• Participants are invited to present the work they produced (finished or in progress) in 15 minute (approx) slots.

About Kevin

Based between Southampton and the New Forest, Kevin James works primarily with photography using analogue and digital media, digital editing and printing techniques, and collage. He is a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society, a student member of the Association of Photographers and is nearing completion of a BA (Hons) with the Open College of the Arts / OU. Kevin has a lifelong interest in photography and family history and has combined the two in his most recent activities to produce a body of work that will be exhibited at Lyndhurst Community Centre in February 2027. This work, provisionally entitled “Familial Shores”, uses the tidal shoreline as an analogy for the liminal space in which we experience the simultaneous presence and absence of our deceased family members. Kevin has been a ZING member since 2024.

Instagram: @verrant.