Taking inspiration from Portraying a Nation: Germany 1919-1933, Professor Matthew Philpotts from the University of Liverpool leads a week-long series of events exploring the relationship between portrait-making and national history. In particular, we examine how different forms of portraiture reflect or shape social and political history, especially at moments of social and political crisis.
If Otto Dix were working today in Britain, which grotesque characters and scenes would command his attention? Who would be the ‘Faces of our Time’, to borrow the title of August Sander’s first collection of photography? What is historical portraiture in a world of selfies and Instagram?
As well as exploring these questions through workshops and discussion, drop into Tate Exchange and create your own photographic portrait.Â