Ghostly Matters: Photography and Rites for the Dead

This class examines photography as an emotional, spiritual, and ceremonial medium—one that transforms light into ghostly matter, absence into presence, and the fleeting into the enduring. Drawing inspiration from artists and writers who conjure memory, history, and the unseen through image and language—including Toni Morrison, Maya Deren, Ana Mendieta, Shirin Neshat, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Félix González-Torres, and Teresa Margolles—students learn to approach the camera as a vessel for personal and collective communion. Through structured weekly assignments, participants investigate loss, ancestry, historical memory, and invisible forces within their own practice. Grounded in rigorous critique, conceptual development, and experimental image-making, the course guides students toward translating private rites and personal mythologies into compelling photographic altars.

Course Level / Prerequisite: Open to all skill levels. Students ranging from beginner to experienced will be successful in classes that are Open to All Skill Levels.

Students are encouraged to review ICP's Classroom Disclaimer for current information regarding COVID-19 policies, classroom guidelines, and more. These policies are subject to change at anytime.

Courses are subject to minimum enrollment. Please register early, within five days of the start-date, to reduce the likelihood of course cancellation and to ensure you receive all course-related materials in time to prepare for class. Registration for this course will close one day prior to the start date of the course.

Fee Breakdown