Workshop: The 3rd Eye with Estelle Chaigne

Estelle Chaigne’s participatory performance workshop pays homage to spirit photography practices of the early 20^th century, recreating the circumstances that make it possible to reveal, more or less mysteriously, the spirits of the deceased. Chaigne invites participants to sit in her séance room, a process she documents with a large format view camera, using direct positive photo paper. Participants then develop their photographs in the darkroom, discovering evidence of the apparitions they just recently shared space with. They will leave with a basic knowledge of analog film processing and a personal memento of this strange encounter.

This fall, MAWA is partnering with arts and academic organizations in Winnipeg to produce a deep dive into the intersections of visual arts and the supernatural, inspired by Winnipeg’s history of spiritualist photography. Activities include a photography workshop with former MAWA Artist in Residence Estelle Chaigne (France), a “MAWA Presents” online lecture with Dr. Grace Williams (UK), and the Wendy Wersch Memorial Lecture with long-time MAWA friend Erika DeFreitas. ASL is available for all events upon request.