An overview of classes taught (and developed *)

Assoc.-Professor at SCM, CityU Hong Kong, since 2021 and Sem1 2019/20
MFA Course:

Topics in Photography: Text & Image
Topics in Media Worlding
BA Courses:
Expanded Photography
Alternative Processes in Photography
Theories of Photography and Imaging
Topics in Photography: Large Format Imaging

ADM, School of Art, Design and Media, 2014-2020
MA/PHD Graduate:
Narrative Strategies for Moving Images
Narrative Strategies in Creative Media *
Topics in Photography *
BA Courses:
Interactive Environments
History of Interaction Design
Moving Image for Media Artists *
Moving Image for Still Photographers *
Fundamentals of Immersive 360˚and VR experiences *
Colour Photography (Medium format)
Black & White Film Photography
Foundation Course:
Concepts for Digital Imaging *

Teaching Philosophy
A focus of my research-based practice is exploring imaging technologies in science contexts and getting an insight into possibilities of capturing two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. The vast potentials of the human eye as a quintessential instrument to gather knowledge and aesthetics, at the intersection of art and science provides the students with the exploration of emerging imaging technologies in both the wavelengths below and above the visible spectrum.
Teaching lens-based media means for me also teaching to see, to watch our surroundings with fresh eyes, to challenge my students' views and to nudge them towards understanding how physics, genetics or neuroscience could shape their image of the world; but also how documenting the application of these technologies in industry and business could make a difference in the emerging age of machines.

My aim is not only to furnish my students with a fundamental technical skill-set so that they will be able to express their ideas visually. It is equally important for them to learn putting their work in context; researching and evaluating independently in the theoretical and aesthetic domain. This enables them to establish their own artistic voice and paves their path as independent creators.
The purpose of my curriculum is to give the students opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills so as to develop their own unique position and stylistic idiom in the course of their study. A common explanation of the technical foundations of lens-based media incorporates: recording techniques from pinhole camera to large format and digital imaging standards; processing of the captured images, black/white and colour darkroom, digitising of analogue files; from the still to moving images; expanded photography and presenting and installing still- and moving-image projects.
Important for the course’s outcome is the absence of commitment to any specific media: The idea should always be in the focus of attention – the medium has to follow the concept and the form of the presentation.
During my time at ADM, I realised that a good balance of being encouraging, entertaining, understanding but also strict and determined is necessary. It succeeds in the work with my FYP and URECA students, who are driven by their ideas and keen to discuss different approaches as well as interested in theoretical background concepts.
My confidence in good teaching and supervision are grounded in the complex structure of the human brain. Various parts need stimulation in a certain way and I have to cater both hemispheres. In seminars addressing different departments, I can inspire complex results with diverse approaches. By offering exciting topics and excursions, which result from contacts to co-operation partners in other faculties, arts, science or industry, the students can hopefully develop their enthusiasm.

The documentation and presentation of the students’ projects is an essential constituent of the work. Site-specific exhibitions or presentations with students at places which are linked thematically with the project to further encourage the students in exploring their environment, provide a motivating goal. So was the result of the photo majors in 2016 exhibited in the Private Museum in Singapore.
Championing in-depth research, advocating the courage to fail and try again, promoting teamwork and group discussions, fostering their independent and critical thinking are ways which I think may encourage student learning. To achieve this, I need to raise the student’s interest in the subject, nurture their critical capacity, support interactive feedback within the class and encourage own initiatives.
Short-term projects (only one week) for the class, for working out ideas and techniques spontaneously proved efficacious – the rush demands the students’ creativity and flexibility.
Artistic freedom is a major point in my conception of creative education. Therefore, the idea is in the focus of attention – the medial technique should follow the concept and the form of the presentation. Although lens-based media is in any case the essential medium for research and later on the documentation.
My classes are usually structured into three parts: technical and theoretical background (theory), conceptual and creative framework (presentations and discussions) and independent projects (sharing and discussing ideas and work in progress).