Photography’s role in art and society is profoundly transformed, shifting from a singular medium to a versatile tool integrated into a broader artistic landscape. This focus group, guided by Dr. Ioannis Galanopoulos Papavasileiou, examines expanded photography—a practice that transcends traditional boundaries through techniques like manipulation, staging, cameraless photography, and mixed media.

Building on George Baker’s pivotal essay Photography’s Expanded Field (2005), the discussion will explore the medium’s evolution, particularly in the context of AI-generated imagery. Despite advancements in AI, the enduring significance of cameraless photography practices, from Moholy-Nagy and Man Ray’s photograms to innovations like “Copy Art” and exhibitions such as Antipodean Emanations (2018), underscores the creative possibilities inherent in expanded photography.

Participants will engage in an open-ended conversation about these practices’ methods, meanings, and societal implications, focusing on how expanded photography continues to shape contemporary art fairs and exhibitions.

About Dr. Ioannis Galanopoulos Papavasileiou:
Dr. Ioannis is an Associate Professor of Art at Zayed University, UAE, and a celebrated contemporary visual artist. His photographic work has been exhibited worldwide in prestigious venues, including the Athens Photo Festival, the Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts in Japan, the Venice Biennale, the Florence Biennale, the Exposure Festival in Sharjah, Pingyao International Photography Festival in China, and Eyes on Main Street Festival in the USA. His expertise bridges academic scholarship and artistic innovation, offering attendees a unique perspective on photography’s expanded practices.

This focus group provides an inspiring platform to analyze and discuss photography beyond traditional frameworks, helping participants understand its dynamic role in contemporary art and society.