Experiential Photography taught by Ursula Handleigh and partnered with De La Salle-College of St Benilde in Manila, Philippines explores expanded and alternative photographic processes within the Philippine landscape. Students engaged in a variety of analogue and slow photographic techniques that respond to the local landscape and flora while considering the impact of photographic practice on the local environment. Students learned about low-waste and sustainable film and photo paper developers and were encouraged to create their own developer recipes that are site responsive. Students were also be introduced to historical methods of image capture, hand-tinting, and colourizing while using a traditional black-and-white darkroom. With a focus on experiential learning, students were encouraged to explore materiality, place and process throughout this course.
Adapting to New Environments: Learning, Creativity, and Community in Manila
OCAD U students were able to have an immersive experience in Manila, meet new people and make new friends. Some challenges included adapting to new ways of working based on what’s available when making art in different places. For example traditional photographic developers are not readily available in Manila, so students were taught how to develop in a handmade Tylenol developer. Large format negatives are also hard to come by, so when shooting using 4x5 camera’s, students used X-ray film cut to size. Through these experiences students learned how to adapt to new environments, how utilize new materials and how to problem-solve. With the generosity of Benilde and their welcoming of our class into their program, the most significant thing the students gained from this experience is the value of community and strength in interpersonal relationships.
St. Benilde is planning to send a group of students and faculty to OCAD University for the 2025 summer semester, with the intention of fostering continued collaboration and exchange between our institutions. This visit will provide an opportunity for students to engage with the vibrant creative community at OCAD U, explore new perspectives, and strengthen the relationship between our two schools.