Carbon - Chemical - Curse: Reclaiming the Photographic Commons

Panel Discussion and Film Screening 20th July 6.45 - 9.30pm Fruitmarket Cafe, Edinburgh, Scotland Resistance is the first step in reclaiming photography: resistance to use harmful chemicals; resistance to promote carbon-polluting industries; resistance to submit to mass consumption in favour of the grassroots. This July at the Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, Hannah and Edd from the Sustainable Darkroom will be joined by two local artists, Scott Hunter and Jess Holdengarde, to discuss their own diverse approaches in reclaiming our photographic commons through a politics of creative resistance. Scott Hunter and Hannah Fletcher will uncover histories of industrialisation and pollution: through Scott’s work with local landscapes and his use of contaminated elements to realise his works, and Hannah’s research on petrochemicals and their ties to the photographic industry. Edd will be previewing his newest film, CAPTAIN COOK IS DEAD, combining material approaches with a critique of colonial and common land seizures during the 18th Century. Alongside, Jess Holdengarde, will preview her new film, made in collaboration with Chloe Charlton, Collecting Light, which documents The Living Camera project, with Lyth Arts Centre’s youth community in 2025. Join us for a Q&A following the discussion/films, and informal drinks afterwards.