Abstract :
‘Postcards Home’ using photography, scanning,
digital image manipulation, text and colour printing
was the third ‘Download’ project devised by
the education department of the Whitechapel
Art Gallery, London, England. It was led by artist
Laurie Long with teachers and pupils from
Pooles Park primary school in Islington, an inner
city borough in North London. Based on the
production of a postcard featuring an image of
personal significance, the children were involved
in exploring and constructing their own and
others’ identities whilst developing their technology
skills in creative ways. The project raises
interesting questions about the applicability of
contemporary art practices to the primary classroom.
The research is based on participant
observation and includes the voices of the artist
and teachers involved.
