Mark Epstein

Profile

I am a postgraduate researcher currently undertaking a practice-based PhD within the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies. The practice element of my research, a mixture of photography and language, is participatory in nature, working with refugees and migrants. I am a recipient of the Amanda Burton Doctoral Award, and the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery is a confirmed partner of the PhD.  

Research interests

Using the context of a photographic group my research traces moments of encounter between participants and myself, between people of different worldviews, memories, and future visions. The nature of the encounter is described by Martin Buber as the I-Thou moment, when the self, I, meets the other, Thou. And when that coming-together is approached with an open spirit of recognising the other’s humanity, then perhaps something unique might occur in the space between. As a little collective, we use language, photography being the primary but not the only one, to work together and see what comes of these ethical, and I hope vibrant I-Thou moments. 

I have a background in social photography, teaching and teacher training. 

Qualifications

• M.A. Documentary Photography (University of South Wales, Newport)
• M.A. Literature (University of Sussex)
• B.A. Hons. English / Religious Studies (West Sussex Inst. of Higher Education)
• P.G.C.E. English Language & Literature (University of Bath)
• Cambridge Diploma - English Language Teaching (International House, Budapest)