Matthew Abbott

1:26:12 The Camera at War: 170 Years of Weaponizing Photography, with Hilary Roberts All forms of visual media are vulnerable to being manipulated or ‘weaponized’ in the context of modern conflict. However, the consequences of manipulating photographs are potentially far-reaching and long-term. In recent years, advances in digital technology have led many to question whether photographs of war and conflict can ever be trusted. The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as other world events, have lent urgency to this debate. Drawing on an incredible range of imagery from the Imperial War Museum’s vast collection and other major archives around the globe, expert curator Hilary Roberts presents a new perspective on the role of image manipulation in this field over the past 170 years, exploring the consequences for our understanding of historic and contemporary conflicts. Join Ron Haviv in conversation with Hilary Roberts as they discuss the complicated relationship between conflict photography and the ‘truth’. The discussion will explore the application and legacy of photomanipulation techniques in conflict photography and the myriad ways in which layers of meaning can be added, erased, or changed completely. The VII Foundation 1:14:10 Photo Editors Series - Josh Lustig The Photo Editors Series is a series of conversations with well-known photo editors about how they view the media today, the role of visuals in reporting, the work they like to see, and advice for photographers on how best to connect with publishers. The series combines an overview of the contemporary media landscape with practical tips. The editors speak as individuals rather than representatives of their organizations, and the event is interactive and offers good opportunities for audience questions. In this seventeenth episode, Ilvy Njiokiktjien and Fiona Stephen speak with Josh Lustig, deputy photo editor of the Financial Times Weekend Magazine. Josh writes regularly on photography for the magazine, is a frequent participant at festivals and workshops, and has been a visiting lecturer at several universities including, London College of Communication, University of Syracuse, NY, USA and the School of Media and Journalism, Aarhus, Denmark. The VII Foundation 2:22:03 Open-Source Intelligence - An Investigative Journalism Workshop Open-source intelligence (OSINT), publicly available data sources used in the verification of information and events, is integral to the work of many investigative journalists. Increasingly hostile or inaccessible reporting environments, and the weaponisation of disinformation, have intensified the need for verifiable source information to ensure the authenticity and integrity of independent reporting. In this special extended online event, we examine the application of open-source intelligence strategies within media and justice contexts. This two-hour workshop will introduce a range of practical OSINT tools, consider accessibility and online safety, and examine case studies, including long-term operations within closed states and recent high-profile events across the U.S. and Europe, where OSINT tools have enabled critical forensic analysis and reporting. Join David Campbell in discussion with a panel of expert guests; Documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist, Sara Creta, whose research focuses on the intersection of emerging technology and human rights; Davide Piscitelli, Advanced Researcher at Forensic Architecture, a research agency based at Goldsmiths, University of London; and Francesco Sebregondi, architect and researcher specialising in digital investigation, particularly the use of visual and spatial analysis to document violence and human rights violations. The VII Foundation 1:12:20 Photo Editors Series – Gabriel Eisenmeier The Photo Editors Series are conversations with well-known photo editors about how they view the media today, the role of visuals in reporting, the work they like to see, and advice for photographers on how best to connect with publishers. Hosted by David Campbell and Ilvy Njiokiktjien, the series combines an overview of the contemporary media landscape with practical tips. The editors in the series speak as individuals rather than representatives of their organizations. In this tenth episode, we are speaking with Gabriel Eisenmeier of de Volkskrant, a daily newspaper in The Netherlands. The VII Foundation 1:00:57 A Presentation of Ed Kashi & Julie Winokur’s film, Sheila and Joe In this special presentation, Ed Kashi and Julie Winokur introduce their short film “Sheila and Joe,” followed by a question and answer. with the filmmakers and subjects. “Sheila and Joe” is a love story that unfolds behind bars. This story is told through hundreds of letters shared by Sheila Rule, a former New York Timescorrespondent, and Joe Robinson, a man serving a prison sentence of 25 years to life. Despite a 20 year age difference, and undeterred by the physical barriers of prison, their love has unstoppable momentum. Intimate and nuanced, this short film visits the space between compassion and passion, revealing a man who transcends his crime and a woman who dares to break the rules. In the process, they shine a light on the practice of mass incarceration in the US. “Sheila & Joe” premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2021 and received Second Place for Documentary Daily Life from Pictures of the Year International 2020. The film was published on NPR’s The Picture Show in 2021. The VII Foundation 54:20 Arturo Soto – The Psycho-Geography of a British City How can photography challenge stereotypes of a well-known city? Is it possible to picture the politics of a place? What are the costs and benefits of asking these questions from the position of the outsider? In this event, Mexican-born photographer Arturo Soto discusses these themes in his work about the British university city of Oxford following the controversial “Brexit” referendum that led to the UK leaving the European Union. Soto’s work has been published in his book “A Certain Logic of Expectations”, which is described as proposing a counter-narrative of Oxford. Drawing on psycho-geography, and using an interplay of words and text, the work reflects on the contested relationship between visual representation and the history and myths of a particular location. The VII Foundation 54:26 Book Club – Ed Kashi, The Cali Years The Cali Years is a 25-year collection of Ed Kashi’s archive from 1979-2004, from his time spent living in California. This significant period marked the development of a college graduate into a renowned visual storyteller. This motley collection of images contains everything from family life to celebrities, from magazine assignments to in-depth personal projects. What was originally intended to be a small zine became a fold-out hand-bound collectible book. This collaborative project made in Ed’s studio with Brenda Bingham and Michael Curry will be produced in a limited edition of 100. In this event – hosted by Ziyah Gafic – Ed, Brenda, and Michael discuss the purpose and production of this book. The VII Foundation 45:35 Kris Graves – 1492/1619 American Aftermaths This event is a conversation between 2021 Aftermath Project grant winner Kris Graves and Aftermath Project founder, and VII photographer, Sara Terry. Their talk focuses on Kris’ grant-winning project, Privileged Mediocrity and the Deceived Within. Kris shows images he made during his grant year, as he explores systematic unfairness in America – and talks with Sara about his critique of the ways racism, capitalism and power have shaped the U.S. They both share ideas about what goes into writing an American Aftermath grant proposal, and the kinds of projects that might be a good fit for the grant. Sara talks about the judging process and what judges look for. The VII Foundation