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

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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.