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As part of the TOKAS Residency (15.2.-28.3. 2024), an existing concept for inclusive photography workshops has been further developed. The results were then presented in Japan (15-17 March at TOKAS Art Space) and Austria (Bundes-Blindeninstitut Wien, and Verein “OTELO”, Bad Goisern, July 2024).

The starting point for this work were prototypes that were made for the first time during an EU residency in Tunisia, to which I was invited as the Austrian representative. The methodology was further developed as part of other projects and is based on participatory research, 3D printing and accessibility for art. Partners in this process included the AIT – Austrian Institute of Technology and VRVis in Vienna, and Chiba University in Japan.

For the topic of the workshop in Tokyo “Cultural Identity and Diversity”, tactile reliefs were created in collaboration with the association “OTELO Goisern – Zukunft. Craft. Art. Culture” association. In this way, innovative technology (photogrammetry and 3D printing) is harmonised with traditional handicrafts. With the help of Upper Austrian craftspeople, the prototypes were transformed into reliefs on swell paper, felt, wood and leather in order to make them “tangible” for all participants.

Collaboration with the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl- Salzkammergut:
From July 16–23, 2024, an exhibition took place at the Stephaneum in Bad Goisern, offering a tactile and accessible photography experience for everyone. The displayed images were created collaboratively by blind and sighted artists and were produced during workshops held in Tunisia, Nigeria, Spain, and Japan.

The exhibition focused on aspects of cultural identity and explored how we perceive the world around us through images. Alongside the exhibition, we hosted a workshop that continued the project by generating new images that could be experienced with all the senses. Sighted individuals worked hand in hand with blind and visually impaired participants, exploring the wonderfully deceptive world of images and learning from and with each other. The results were immediately integrated into the exhibition and will be featured in future showcases.

The programme was organised in collaboration with OTELO, the Austrian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Zero Project, as part of the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024. A very appreciated support to realise the programme came from the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee.

Workshop Programme for Blind and Sighted Participants,
Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt
The workshop was held on July 19, 20, and 21. Participants could register for one, two, or all three days. Participation was free, and no professional camera was required. Many participants were blind or visually impaired. The outcomes were transformed into tactile photographs on-site and became part of the exhibition. This allowed all participants to engage equally in the production process and physically interact with the jointly created images.

Interestingly, while we were photographing in Bad Goisern, one of the blind Japanese artists, Shinya Kawamura, sent some new photographs from Tokyo. This is the artist whose image was also the exhibition poster for Bad Goisern, so another connection between Austria and Japan was established.

Methodology:
The workshop programme was based on participatory research, technology, craftsmanship, and accessibility in the arts. The results were produced in two phases. On one hand, prototypes were created in relief on thermal paper, felt, wood, and leather to make them accessible and understandable for everyone involved. On the other hand, innovative production techniques (photogrammetry and 3D printing) were used, and works were reproduced on swell paper.

Exhibition and Workshop Schedule:
July 16, 2024: Exhibition opening. Existing works from other workshops were displayed, and the medium of tactile photography was explained through public talks.

July 19–21, 2024: Workshop for blind and sighted photographers. In parallel with and as part of the workshop, we began producing new works, followed by joint testing, editing, and improvement.

July 21, 2024: Integration of the new works into the exhibition.

August–September 2024: Creation of colored 3D prints and works on swell paper.

The workshop programme was designed for a group traditionally excluded from the visual arts scene, both as visitors and producers. This approach actively involved them in the cultural process.

On the first day of the workshop, participants focused on selecting motifs and photographing old buildings and facades in Bad Goisern from various perspectives. Numerous tips were given for future, especially artistic, snapshots. After another photo session on the second day, we reviewed all the images with the participants. We found several photos exceptional, interesting, and suitable for an exhibition.

Finally, Christian and Sandra Rauscher were able to transform some of their photos into “tactile art objects” with the help of craft materials like cotton wool, wood, or paper, supported by the other participants. On the third and final day of the workshop, the new objects were integrated into the ongoing exhibition. They will also be displayed at the next exhibition during the Havana Biennial 2024/25.

Outlook:
November 2024–February 2025: The project and its results will be showcased at the 15th Havana Biennial in Cuba, where additional workshops for blind and sighted participants will also take place.

The installation will be similar as in Austria. Outside of the U-shaped structure, there is an installation with papers in Braille. The content of these texts is only legible for those who can understand (Spanish) Braille. In other words, for once the discrimination is the other way around. It is us, the “normal” people who are excluded. The writings are inspired by the Japanese Omikuji oracle.

The sayings for the Omikuji installation were invented by ChatGTP in response to the entry “Please write me 10 short Omikuji oracle sayings related to the lives of blind and visually impaired people”. They will then be cut into strips and hung as an installation in the ArteConTacto exhibition at the Rubén Martínez Villena Library.

A video simulation of the exhibition at the Rubén Martínez Villena Library can be found here:

For early 2025, we are planning another exhibition in Austria, in an old fortress tower, in Leonding. Again, workshops shall be held, and the works by former participants will be shown. Other collaborations we are working on are targeted for Lagos, Nigeria and south-east Asia.