Photography exhibition explores the meaning of cynefin
The School of Geography and Planning has opened a photography exhibition in the Glamorgan Building to explore the community’s sense of “cynefin” - the significance and complexity of our experiences of space and place.
Cynefin has no direct translation, providing an ambiguity of meaning that can encompass the many ways in which our environment influences us in ways we can never fully understand. It is this openness that makes cynefin a powerful idea with which to reflect on our experiences of the spaces and places that shape the school.
Staff and students at the school were invited to take part in a photography competition to explore and represent their own interpretation of cynefin. Supported by the School Community Fund, the competition invited participants to capture photographs that critically and creatively express the way experiences of spaces and places in the school shapes lives, and the collective community.
The judging panel chose three winners
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Gareth Enticott, Clear Niwlog (image one).
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Rich Maskell (image two).
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Zohra Wardak (image three).
Gareth Enticott
For Clear Niwlog. Gareth said: “On Fan Brycheiniog, the fog was so thick, it was difficult to see where I was going, but the (geographical) message about where I was very clear - thus describing the feelings of spatial complexity and tensions implied by cynefin.” The panel felt this captured the current world of cynefin, particularly in Wales and drew the audience into the landscape and the social/political referencing of “Yma o Hyd”, reiterating the importance of the Welsh language.
Rich Maskell
For his ethereal black and white image of the Cardiff landscape – the panel felt that this captured key elements of the school’s research and teaching – travel, nature, industry, and housing, as well as being a striking image.
Zohra Wardak
A current Year 2 undergraduate student who has captured our local space beautifully. The panel praised the vibrancy of colour as well as its reference to green space, bikes, people, and the merging of university and social space.
Glamorgan Building
Delyth Jones, School Manager at the School of Geography and Planning, said: “The initiative for a photography challenge came from discussing the visuals in the Glamorgan Building and trying to align them to the school’s vision and values. We wanted to make them tangible and reflect the current staff voice as well as the students. The building is not just for visitors, so it’s been exciting to think of how you’d like your voice represented.
The theme of ‘cynefin’ felt incredibly important – to reflect on our Welsh identity, but also demonstrate how our teaching and research stretches across many areas of interest.
“We had over 40 images submitted and considering the busy time of year, it was amazing to see contributions from academic, professional services and students. I’ve received so many positive comments about sharing the visuals and we look forward to having new challenges for all in the not-so-distant future.”
The images will be shared around the Glamorgan Building, for staff, students and visitors to enjoy.
