IPE 163 Open House Talks: Thomas Duffield

International Photography Exhibition 163 - Artist Talks

To celebrate the opening of the IPE 163, the RPS is delighted to have a series of talks from exhibitors as part of the IPE Open House on 16 April.

Thomas Duffield is a photographer and researcher working in London and the North of England. Growing up on a small farm on the outskirts of Leeds, Thomas’ practice looks inwards on his own family experience and seeks to address the lesser discussed aspects of family life.

IPE 163 selector Sebah Chaudhry described Thomas's project ‘Poppy Promises’ as "a project exploring the relationship between a son (the artist) and his father. Thomas navigates the complexities of their relationship following his father’s struggle with heroin addiction. The images depict a beautiful, yet fragile story, as Thomas captures his experience reuniting with his father.

The image ‘Dad Cuts My Hair’ drew me to select this project, its warm colours resemble those of Victorian paintings.

On the surface, though the image is quite ritualistic, we know that cutting hair can also be a very intimate act. This alone draws us closer to them. Neither subject is looking at the camera, though I feel I am present there with them, witnessing the re-birth of their relationship, and I can’t look away."

Thomas' talk will share a glimpse into the series 'Poppy Promises', centred on the experience of making a long term photographic project with his own close family, including the process of working with his father directly for the first time and how an embrace of shared vulnerabilities made its way into the project. 

Entry to the talk is free for everyone. Please consider purchasing a ticket which includes a donation of £5. As an independent charity, the RPS needs your support, and your donation helps us to continue our mission of bringing 'Photography for Everyone'.

IPE 163 Open House 16 April Program of talks 

Find out more about each talk and how to book by following the links below:

11:00 – 11:30 | Richard Beaven

11:45 – 12:15 | Naomi Wood

12:30 – 13:00 | Bex Day

14:00 - 14:30 | Thomas Duffield

14:45  - 15:15 | Àsìkò 

15:30 – 16:00 | Aneesa Dawoojee

All of the talks will be recorded and available to view online at a later date.