TABLE TALKS: What Are We to Do with Problematic Images?

TABLE TALKS: What Are We to Do with Problematic Images? Colonial photography, gender and the afterlives of images in Algeria What do we do with images that carry a problematic history? Should they be preserved, displayed, reinterpreted or perhaps avoided altogether? Drawing on colonial photographs from Algeria, art historian and curator Dr Taous R. Dahmani explores how images continue to shape our collective memory and perceptions of gender, race and identity, long after the historical circumstances in which they were produced have changed. The conversation invites reflection on photography's historical responsibilities and the ethical dilemmas that arise when working today with images created under unequal power relations. This is the third and final TABLE TALK presented by FOTO STUDIO as part of the exhibition Young Danish Photography ’26 at Fotografisk Center. About TABLE TALKS TABLE TALKS is a conversation format that brings together artists, professionals and audiences around the table for open discussions about the role of photography in our contemporary world. The format challenges the traditional artist talk by creating an informal, non-hierarchical space for conversation, where everyone is invited to listen, ask questions and contribute their own perspectives. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome, regardless of professional background or prior knowledge of photography. The conversation will be held in English. Participation is free, but registration is required as places are limited. About Dr Taous R. Dahmani Taous Dahmani is a French-British-Algerian art historian and curator based in London, where she is affiliated with The Photographers' Gallery. She has curated exhibitions internationally, including at Les Rencontres d'Arles, Jaou Photo Biennale in Tunis, Saatchi Gallery in London and Kyotographie in Japan. Her research and curatorial work focus on the history, politics and visual culture of photography, and she has contributed to numerous international publications. About FOTO STUDIO FOTO STUDIO consists of visual artists Tine Bek, Paula Duvå and Mads Holm. Based in Copenhagen, the collective has been facilitating conversations about photography since 2022. TABLE TALKS is supported by the Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansen Foundation, the New Carlsberg Foundation, Jorcks Foundation, Handelsgartner Harry Opstrups Fond, Birgit Vibeke Tofts Mindefond, the Danish Arts Foundation and BKF Cultural Funds. Image credit portrait of Dr. Taous R. Dahmani