Conversation with Mark Pilkington and Anabelle de Gerisgny

Overview

Vantage Point Sharjah presents work by professional photographers as well as individuals with an active interest and passion for photography. The varied approaches to the landscape and life of Sharjah on exhibit reflect the growing enthusiasm for photography as an artistic medium and offer viewers an opportunity to enjoy the work of local photographers.

Speakers

Mark Pilkington completed his Masters degree in Photography at the Royal College of Art, London. He taught photography at a number of UK colleges before moving to the UAE in 1997 where he is currently an Associate Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah. Mark has exhibited in the UK and the UAE including National Portrait Gallery, London and Sharjah Biennials 6 and 7. His work primarily centers on using himself in photographs - not so much as a self-portrait but rather as a protagonist within an otherwise uninhabited space. His work explores interactions between the person and the place and looks at concepts relating to belonging and longing.

Anabelle de Gersigny is a Fine Art graduate who recently joined Tashkeel as the Strategy and Partnership Development Manager. Previously Anabelle worked for TCA Abu Dhabi on the Saadiyat Cultural District initiatives including Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. Anabelle was the director of the Tram Depot, an artist run project space and studios in London from 2005 to 2009 and has worked in various positions within contemporary art including research and editorial positions with Hauser & Wirth and Phaidon Press.