Dean Leivers

Dependent Origination (2021)

The project was born from reading scientific, fictional & spiritual texts that fed into the idea that we are all aiming to discover our place & purpose. Dependent Origination is a Buddhist teaching which recognises that all things arise dependent on the conditions present, be that emotional states, physical situations/experiences or life itself.

Just as our place may not be fixed the project relocated in a pop-up dome, acting as a studio & workshop. This moveable studio then toured between schools and community settings providing participatory workshop opportunities. The transparent dome complements the chosen photographic process and an aim: offering sight lines into artistic practice for groups who don’t usually access the arts.

It uses Cyanotypes; creating light sensitive surfaces by coating materials with chemicals

that change colour when exposed to UV light. Placing materials on the surface (EG dust, earth, plants) leaves behind an impression of the object .

Project strands researched & developed my personal work in progress and piloted an outreach touring model for underserved groups & developing audiences. It tested a paid-for model, accessibility & the impact it could have on practice & participation.

The project was made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, for which I'm incredibly grateful.