On the Face of the Photograph, and the Moving Image: Geopolitical Affect in the Speculative Landscapes of Connie Samaras

This article introduces the concept of geopolitical affect in landscape photography and video, focusing on two series by the US artist Connie Samaras: V.A.L.I.S. (2004-5) and Edge of Twilight (2011–2018). The article draws on the cybernetic affect theory of the mid-century US psychologist Silvan S Tomkins as well as the artist’s own concept of speculative landscape and critique of identity politics to consider surface, movement, and the face in landscape photography. As well, a photographic and audiovisual theory of geopolitical drive and affect, based on the work of Tomkins, is proposed