The Writing of Light: a Photographic Journey in Space

From Key Arts

Isabella Pitisci -  The Writing of Light: a Photographic Journey in Space
Artist residency and exhibition
Residency: 7 October – 1 November 2008
Exhibition: 2 – 9 November 2008; Opening hours: Tue to Fri 11-3, Sat and Sun 11-4
Family Workshops: Saturday 8 November, starting on the hour from 12 noon to 3pm
Artist Talk: 9 November 2008, 1pm
Closing View: 9 November 2008, 2-4pm

Introduction

Isabella Pitisci’s work aims to challenge the boundaries between image and object using spaces to seduce the viewer into a phenomenological experience with the object turned image and the image turned object.

Photography is central to Isabella Pitisci’s practice, and light is fundamental to photography – without it photography would not exist; the word ‘photography’ itself means ‘the writing of light’. When she first visited the Church of St Mary-at-the-Quay in the spring of 2008, she was particularly struck by the effect of light within the space. The theme of light also offers significant connections with religious iconography and symbolism. However the recent building of high-rise apartment blocks in Key Street has significantly affected the amount of natural light entering the church.

During her month-long residency, Isabella Pitisci is using ambient light and pinhole photography to explore the architecture of the church, and the effects of recent urban regeneration taking place on Key Street.

Related Activities

Art & Design Students from Suffolk New College will be offered the chance to take pictures using pinhole cameras to photograph the church and its surroundings. The artist will also hold children and family workshops during which participants will make handheld camera obscuras and pinhole cameras with recycled materials.

The exhibition will conclude with an artist talk and a closing view with refreshments.

Biography

Isabella Pitisci studied Photography at Camberwell College of Arts, London and is currently teaching Photography at Suffolk New College, Ipswich. Her work has been exhibited at Camberwell College of Arts, the Morley Gallery, Central Space and the Royal Institution of Great Britain, London. She has also completed a number of site specific projects including Missing for Queens Wood, London and The Nothing at John Latham’s Flat Time House in Peckham, London. Most recently she has completed an Artist Residency at Chantry High School, Ipswich.

This project is being made possible with the kind support of Suffolk New College