Jesse Alexander: On creative sustainability
In this episode, we talk with Jesse Alexander about creative sustainability. Jesse discusses the nuances of rurality and place making as well as the urban bias present in landscape photography. He also explains how idealised images of agriculture are disconnected from their polluting impact. Jesse shares his ethical approach which focuses on the general messaging of his work and lowering his own consumption. He speaks on the ethical framework at Falmouth University, which invites reflection and innovation while allowing students to learn without shame.
What you’ll find inside:
“There is I think a very very inherent urban bias in landscape representation. It sort of links to other things like enclosure acts and a very distorted appreciation of the land in a very broad sense.” (9.11)
“These images are really really pervasive I think, particularly around agricultural actually and its very disconnected. Unfortunately, the majority of agricultural practices are really bad, really polluting… the dominant narratives are quite different.” (12.06)
“Does it increase consumption basically in a bad way? That’s sort of my core fundamental approach, the priority has to be about thinking about the messaging.” (16.24)
“I do think if ethics are so far at the front and in such big bold letters then I think it can be a bit kind of restrictive. So, I think the thing I say is the MA course is a safe space to make mistakes.” (25.47)
“At the time I kind of had a distinction between ethics and sustainability and then since that time I’ve really realised that actually they are two sides of the same coin.” (32.17)
What does photography ethics mean to Jesse?
“I think it is ultimately what your practice says, and what it says about you as well. Whether it is in like the really obvious messaging of the work or actually the kind of very subtle ways of how you go about working. I think it really does actually filter into all of those choices you make as a practitioner.” (43.35)
Links:
Jesse Alexander is a photographer, educator and writer on photography based in Somerset, England. He studied photography at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, and began his career as a freelance photographer on editorial assignments, TV stills work, PR and events, product photography. He developed a commercial specialism in interiors, architecture and photography of the built environment.
Jesse has written reviews and articles on contemporary photography for publications including 'Source Magazine', 'HotShoe International' and '1000 Words Photography'.
In 2008 he completed an MFA on the Documentary Photography programme at Newport. In 2015 Jesse published 'Perspectives on Place: Theory and Practice in Landscape Photography'. His first photobook, 'The Silent Land' was published in 2021.
Jesse began teaching during his postgraduate studies, and was the Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Photography at the Open College of the Arts from 2013-18. He went on to set up the online MA Photography programme at Falmouth University, which he has been leading since 2016 and which is the largest postgraduate photography programme of its kind.
You can see his work at https://www.jessealexander.co.uk
Creativity is not confined to campus. Falmouth University has been a leading creative institution for over 120 years, and a pioneer in online study since 2016. In that time, they have honed their expertise in delivering high-quality online degrees that nurture collaboration and innovation. Through their Virtual Learning Environment built by an award-winning digital learning team, supported by expert teaching and unrivalled industry connections, you can achieve your personal and professional ambitions in a way that works for you. Join a pioneering community and elevate your photographic practice with Falmouth's online photography courses. Learn more.