Teachers' Session: Self-Portraiture and Vulnerability in the Classroom

Join artist and teacher Dianne Minnicucci for a hands-on workshop exploring self-portraiture as a powerful tool for student expression and classroom engagement.

Drawing on her current exhibition Belonging and Beyond – a series of photographic self-portraits that navigate her roles as artist, mother and teacher – Minnicucci will lead a practical session inviting teachers to reflect on vulnerability and the role of personal narrative in portrait-making.

The session will begin with a walkthrough of the exhibition, offering insight into Minnicucci’s collaborative process of making work alongside her students. This will serve as a jumping point for hands-on activities and group discussion focused on helping students create self-portraits that feel meaningful and accessible.

Together, we'll explore how creating self-portraits can help students overcome discomfort or self-consciousness in the classroom.

Please note: This session is part of our teachers’ programme, and specifically aimed at primary and secondary teachers.

Programmed in partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery as part of Autograph's Visible Practice Residency project.

Led by

Dianne Minnicucci (born 1977, Darlington, UK) is a London-based visual artist exploring the boundaries of documentary storytelling. Rooted autobiographically, her work presents familial moments loaded with intimacy. 

She is interested in a sensitive, intuitive approach to documentary style photography, unravelling the tension between the obscuring and unveiling of identity, knowing and unknowing, desire and fear. 

Minnicucci studied Fine Art Film and Video at Central St. Martins. She is Head of Photography at Thomas Tallis School in south east London. 

About Visible Practice Residency

Dianne Minnicucci was the inaugural resident artist for the Visible Practice Residency, a three-year project supporting Artist Teachers from global majority backgrounds in arts education.

The residency provides an opportunity to create new work within and beyond the school environment, showcasing the value of Artist Teachers and new approaches to practice in teaching. Visible Practice Residency is delivered in partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery, with support from the Freelands Foundation.

Your Visit to Autograph

Everyone is welcome at Autograph. Planning a visit? Have a look at our Visit Us page to find out more about getting to the gallery, accessibility and more.

Accessible venue: Autograph welcomes people with all types of disabilities.

Step free: Our building and entrance is step free. A wheelchair accessible lift goes to all floors.

Seating: This event will be seated.

Location: This event will take place in the Studio, on the ground floor.

Refreshments: There will be a copmlimentary refreshments at this event.

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Ticketing policy

Autograph's events are popular and often sell out. We recommend booking a ticket in advance. This event is free.

Supported by

Autograph is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

This event is in partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery. Supported by Freelands Foundation.

Images: 1) Dianne Minnicucci, from the series Belonging and Beyond [detail], 2025. Courtesy the artist. 2) Courtesy Autograph, London.