L'Artigiano

The V&A, London, has collected and exhibited photography since it was founded in the 1850s. On 25 May 2023, the final phase of its Photography Centre will open – the largest galleries in the UK to hold a permanent collection of photographs. Over 600 images across seven galleries – four of which are new additions – will enable visitors to experience the power of photography and its diverse histories in new ways. Archival objects will be displayed alongside dynamic contemporary works from celebrated artists such as Liz Johnson Artur, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Sammy Baloji, Tarrah Krajnak, Vera Lutter and Vasantha Yogananthan, as well as a monumental sculpture by Noémie Goudal. Two major new commissions, supported by the Manitou Fund, will also be unveiled: a series by leading Indian photographer Gauri Gill, and a digital commission by British media artist Jake Elwes, who has explored the use of deepfake technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with drag cabaret performance. 

The centre’s opening, along with events like Photo London at Somerset House, places the UK as a global leader for innovation in contemporary photographic practice. Ahead of the opening, we speak to the V&A’s Head of Photography, Duncan Forbes, and Senior Curator of Photography, Marta Weiss, about what to expect.