“Build a Language, not a Style” - Damian Siqueiros

​Last week, our IB Visual Artists had the absolute privilege of working with renowned photographer, Damian Siqueiros as part of the Dulwich Diversity events. The knowledge and experience the students (and myself) gained over the two days was invaluable. From concept and design, through to make-up and direction, the students truly experienced an authentic and inspiring insight into photography as a vocation. Working from a Fine Art background, Siqueiros encouraged the students to read images and engage in a visual language. Whilst the learning and process was clearly the focus of the two days, we cannot help but be amazed and proud of the outcomes produced by the students. Working from the initial starting point of ecology and sustainability, the students grappled with the dilemma of representing an abstract idea through movement and colour. The photographs shown have had only minimal editing to adjust composition and remove visible lighting equipment. The atmosphere and intention in the work has been created entirely through lighting, the direction from the students and of course the talent of our dancers. Special thanks to our very own Jean Jang and visiting dancer Rosemarie Lee, for their patience and exceptional professionalism whilst performing and interpreting the students’ concepts. An unforgettable two days that has certainly added significant depth and insight to the IB Visual Arts portfolios.