At a moment when headlines are dominated by existential warnings, ethical panic, and corporate anxiety surrounding artificial intelligence, a group of young creatives in County Durham are offering something far more grounded and immediate: their own unfiltered perspective.
portrAIt brings together self-portraits created by students from Durham Sixth Form Centre. Hosted at The Dead Dog Gallery – a contemporary, community-led art space nestled in the heart of Durham – the exhibition grapples directly with what it means to make art in an era where digital tools can instantly fabricate reality.
portrAIt, an exploration of photography, promptography and the algorithmic mirror of AI, spans traditional photographic processes, cyanotype prints, graphic design and generative AI. Rather than passively accepting the technology or dismissing it entirely, the students used the project to actively test its limits.
Working under the guidance of award-winning portrait photographer Madeleine Waller, the students began with classical photographic techniques before moving, sometimes reluctantly, into promptography, digital manipulation and AI add-ons. What emerged was a striking reflection of the algorithmic bias embedded within image generators, alongside a clear view of how these tools alter, stretch and distort human identity.
The visual work is paired with candid audio recordings of the students reflecting on the process in real time. These intimate voice notes capture the genuine tension, curiosity, and uncertainty felt by a generation standing at the front lines of technological shift. Their reactions, ranging from anger and frustration to fascination, give visitors a rare, honest look at young people deciding for themselves whether to adopt, adapt, or reject these tools.
portrAIt goes beyond technical experimentation; it is a human-centred inquiry into identity, self-representation and the role of the artist at a time when technology is reshaping visual culture.
The exhibition was conceived and delivered by creative arts organisation The Forge in partnership with Durham Sixth Form Centre. It is supported by Into the Light, County Durham’s place-based initiative dedicated to nurturing local talent, widening access to creative education and removing barriers to working in the creative sector.
Exhibition Details:
- Exhibition: portrAIt: An exploration of photography, promptography and the algorithmic mirror of AI
- Dates: Open Thursdays & Fridays, 9.30am-3.30pm until 16 October 2026
- Venue: The Dead Dog Gallery, Durham Sixth Form Centre, The Sands, Providence Row, Durham, DH1 1SG
- Admission: Free
- deaddoggallery.co.uk/portrait/
- @deaddoggallery