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Free exhibtion
Curated by Jolie Hockings
What does it mean to be unguarded? What do we reveal of ourselves to each other?
In our culture preoccupied with outward appearances, Dianne Minnicucci explores how vulnerability and discomfort in front of the camera can become acts of self-discovery and collaboration. She embraces the unease of being photographed – where to look, how to position the body – allowing these moments of uncertainty to shape this new series of portraits of herself and her young son.
Set within the ancient woodland of Abbey Wood in South London, Minnicucci’s poetic black-and-white images foreground her roles as artist, mother and teacher. Layers of light and fragmentation draw attention to subtle shifts in body language, inviting us to consider what it means to be truly vulnerable. As gestures slip behind leaves or linger in dappled light, the artist asks: what does it mean to be unguarded? What do we reveal of ourselves to each other?
Central to Belonging and Beyond is Minnicucci’s role as a secondary school photography teacher. For six months, she brought her studio into the classroom, challenging traditional student-teacher hierarchies. Teaching and the act of making photographs are not separate but deeply intertwined, each enriching the other in a continuous cycle of discovery. By merging these practices, the studio was redefined – no longer a solitary space, but one of shared dialogue and inquiry. Encouraging her students to embrace discomfort in their creative process, she, in turn, did the same.
In her own words: “I see them not just as my students, but as collaborators. Bringing my photographic practice into the classroom created a dynamic space where we could share and grow together as makers, exchanging ideas through open and honest conversation.”
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Dianne Minnicucci was the inaugural resident artist for Autograph’s Visible Practice Residency, a three-year project supporting Artist Teachers from global majority backgrounds in arts education.
The residency provides an opportunity to create new work within and beyond the school environment, showcasing the value of Artist Teachers and new approaches to practice in teaching. Visible Practice Residency is delivered in partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery, with support from the Freelands Foundation.
Dianne Minnicucci (born 1977, Darlington, UK) is a London-based visual artist exploring the boundaries of documentary storytelling. Rooted autobiographically, her work presents familial moments loaded with intimacy.
She is interested in a sensitive, intuitive approach to documentary style photography, unravelling the tension between the obscuring and unveiling of identity, knowing and unknowing, desire and fear.
Minnicucci studied Fine Art Film and Video at Central St. Martins. She is Head of Photography at Thomas Tallis School in south east London.
Wednesday 16 April, 6 - 8pm
Join us at Autograph to celebrate the launch of two exhibitions and a new artist commission
Thursday 22 May, 6:30pm
A conversation between Dianna Minnicucci and writer Gem Fletcher
Thursday 10 July, 6:30pm
Book launch of Amy Ashwood Garvey and the Future of Black Feminist Archives
Everyone is welcome at Autograph. Planning a visit? Have a look at our Visit Us page to find out more about getting to the gallery, accessibility and more.
Autograph welcomes people with all types of disabilities.
Our building and entrance is step free. A wheelchair accessible lift goes to all floors.
Free Exhibition
Contemplating class, cultural identity and belonging through the photographic portrait
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Banner image: Dianne Minnicucci, from the series Belonging and Beyond [detail], 2025. © and courtesy the artist.
Exhibition preview: All images © and courtesy Dianne Minnicucci. 1) Dianne Minnicucci, from the series Belonging and Beyond, 2024. 2) Dianne Minnicucci, from the series Belonging and Beyond, 2025. 3) Dianne Minnicucci, from the series Belonging and Beyond, 2025.
Artist Residency: Courtesy Autograph, London.
About the artist: Courtesy Dianne Minnicucci.
Your visit: Autograph, London. Photograph by Kate Elliot.
Also Coming Up: Eileen Perrier, from the series Ghana [detail], 1995-96. © and courtesy the artist.
Autograph is a place to see things differently. Since 1988, we have championed photography that explores issues of race, identity, representation, human rights and social justice, sharing how photographs reflect lived experiences and shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
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