From Conflict Zones to Community Change: Mark Neville on Photography as Activism

What happens when photography becomes a tool for social change rather than just documentation?

In this episode, Michael Dooney speaks with acclaimed British photographer and artist Mark Neville about his journey from art school to the front-lines of conflict, and how he uses collaborative photography projects to empower communities, challenge social norms, and effect real-world impact.

Neville shares stories from his time as an official war artist in Afghanistan, discusses the making of influential projects like The Port Glasgow Book Project and Stop Tanks With Books, and reflects on his ongoing work in Ukraine. Listeners will gain insights into the ethics of documentary practice, the power of art as activism, and what it means to make photography for—and with—the people it represents.

 

Timestamps

(00:00) – Introduction and welcome

(01:49) – Artist and photographer living and working in the Ukraine

(04:54) – The Port Glasgow Book Project: Art for the community

(08:04) – Getting attention of the art world

(12:00) – Turning point towards a social engaged artistic practice

(14:42) – Stop Tanks with Books Project: Art as activism in Ukraine

(17:56) – Russian invasion of Ukriane

(20:55) – Postcode Ukraine Charity

(25:06) – War Artist in Helmand, Afghanistan

(27:33) – Battle Against Stigma, book project

(33:34) – Invitation to start making work in Ukraine

(34:54) – Diary of a Volunteer, book project

(37:51) – Individual experiences of Postcard Ukraine charity members

(39:48) – Support for Ukrainian people

(42:06) – How can listeners learn more and get involved?

 

Mark Neville (b. 1966, London) is a British artist and photographer renowned for his socially engaged practice at the intersection of art, documentary, and activism. His projects often involve close collaboration with communities, aiming to empower subjects and address issues such as inequality, mental health, and conflict. Notable works include The Port Glasgow Book Project, Battle Against Stigma, Fancy Pictures, and Stop Tanks With Books. Neville has exhibited internationally, worked as an official war artist in Afghanistan, and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize by The New York Times in 2012.

 

Mark Neville official website: https://www.markneville.com/ 

Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/marknevillestudio/

Postcode Ukraine: https://www.postcodeukraine.com/

 

This episode of Subtext & Discourse Art World Podcast was recorded on 28. March 2025 between Perth (AU) and Ukraine with Riverside.

 

Michael Dooney official website: https://www.michaeldooney.net

Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/michaeldooney/