Suthep Kritsanavarin - Guest Lecture

On November 13, 2018, internationally renowned photojournalist Suthep Kritsanavarin, invited by Lecturer Thomas Groves, visited the Webster University Thailand Cha-Am campus to discuss Documentary Photography and the benefits of long-term projects. During Mr. Suthep’s visit we were able to grab an interview about his work and his personal advice to students interested in documentary work.

Suthep Kritsanavarin has chronicled environmental, social, and humanitarian issues in Southeast Asia for nearly two decades. His award-winning photo essays have been published in: The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, the Far Eastern Economic Review, Time, Geographical, Aera, Days Japan, and Geo. He has also exhibited his documentary photography in Germany, France, China, Japan, Thailand, and Cambodia.

We hope you enjoy the video edited by Thomas Groves.

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SSAMIC Conference 2018

The 5th Social Sciences, Arts and Media International Conference

I recently participated in the 5th Social Sciences, Arts and Media International Conference, 14-15 June 2018 (www.ssamic.com). The conference was hosted by Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok and organized in collaboration with Burapha University, Ubon Ratchathani University, College of the Holy Spirit Manila (Philippines), Dali University (China), Illinois State University (USA), Indonesia Institute of the Arts - Yogyakarta (Indonesia), University of Essex (UK), University of Missouri - St. Louis (USA) and Virginia Tech University (USA). Every year the objective of SSAMIC is to bring together academics, artists and culture industry specialists and to provide them with a platform for discussions and cultural exchange.

On the second day the “Creative Work Exhibition” section counted well over forty visual art presentations and art performances. I presented his photographic art work entitled “Long Wa: The Last of the Head Hunters” to a crowd of appreciative conference attendees. He explained a series of his photographs that document the last living head hunters of Nagaland (North-East India), whereby the medium used was intended to capture a moment in time to help preserve a disappearing culture.

This opportunity to network with researchers and artists from Thailand and abroad and to engage in thought-provoking discussions. Their papers are currently undergoing peer review and will be published in the proceedings made available on the conference website in September.

Skate Soccer - Ghana

One of the exciting aspects of being a university professor is the ability to explore, discuss, and debate multiple topics with students all over the world. While many opportunities have been presented to me I was extremely excited when I was awarded the the Sverdrup Global Teaching Fellowship. This allowed me to pick campuses in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa to continue my teaching for a period of three months. I quickly selected the dream location to teach in Accra, Ghana. While conducting my research in preparation for my trip, I came across a unique story of an organization with the goal to raise awareness of polio through the sport of football (soccer). This immediately caught my attention and became one of my main goals to witness while I passed my time in Ghana.

PHOT1010 Exhibition 2017

Congratulations to the freshman course PHOT1010 Basic Digital Photography on their first exhibition of work. Some very interesting bodies of work!

Webster’s Thomas Groves Documents the Headhunters Of Nagaland

The Youngest Head Hunter - Long Wa, India. One of the youngest head hunters poses for his picture. He prides him self in being in shape and always being sharply dressed. Image - Thomas Groves

“Mr. Groves’ incredible photographs capture the beauty and strength of this fascinating group of people.”

— Webster University Thailand

To read the full article please click here

http://www.webster.ac.th/news/2017/thomas-groves-nagaland.html

The Headhunters of Nagaland

“In the north east of India, bordering with Myanmar, is the city of Long Wa which is home to the last living headhunters of Nagaland. These older tattooed men are surrounded by green forests prosperous with nature and who live a traditional way of life.”

— Thomas Groves

Recently I published an article in Expat Life in Thailand about my trip to Long Wa, India. In Long Wa I photographed some of the last living head hunters in this area. My images reflect that these men are ordinary men who hold great respect amongst their community.

Staying with these men for 11 days was an amazing experience which opened my eyes to a culture which is quickly fading away. Long Wa is located on the border between India and Myanmar. The people are strong and very open but also very curious as not many outside visitors stop by or stay for a long period of time.

To read the full article on Expat Life in Thailand please click here

http://expatlifeinthailand.com/uncategorised/the-headhunters-of-nagaland/

Last Headhunters of Nagaland

Photography Students from Multiple Campuses Search for 'Perfect Shot' in Chiang Rai

“Students from Webster Thailand’s undergraduate photography class recently traveled from Hua Hin to Chiang Rai to photograph the lives and livelihoods of the Lahu tribe.”

— Webster University

Another great article about my recent photography class trip to Chiang Rai written by home campus Webster University.

To read the full article please click here.

http://news.webster.edu/global/2017/thailand-photography-students-travel.html

A Photographer's Dream in Indonesia

A very kind news article written about my recent photography work and book A Glimpse of Kawah Ijen and Lombok, Indonesia by Webster University's home campus in Saint Louis, United States of America.

To read the full article please click here

http://news.webster.edu/global/2017/thailand-groves-photo-book-indonesia.html

A Glimpse of Kawah Ijen and Lombok, Indonesia Book

I am very excited to have my first book available on Amazon.com! Indonesia is an incredible location to shoot. I had the opportunity to photograph in the two locations of Kawah Ijen and Lombok.

A Glimpse of Kawah Ijen and Lombok, Indonesia

By Thomas Martin Ronald Groves

Buy on Amazon

Faculty from Six Campuses in Annual Photography Exhibit; Opens Jan. 22 in May Gallery

“The Annual Photography Faculty Exhibition in the May Gallery opens with a reception Friday, Jan. 22, 5-7 p.m. Photographers include faculty from Webster’s Cha’Am, Geneva, Leiden, London, Vienna and Webster Groves campuses. The exhibit is on view Jan. 22 - Feb. 19.”

— Webster University

To read the full article please click here.

http://news.webster.edu/employee/2016/may-gallery-faculty-exhibit.html