“Seeing is believing” and “a picture is worth a thousand words” are common idioms that have shaped and influenced the way in which we have interpreted, weighed and valued photographs in society. But what if these photographs are not what they seem?

Dr. Deepa Kundur

On Tuesday November 17, the Oshawa Historical Society is welcoming Dr. Deepa Kundur, who will explore the history of manipulated photographs, from the early methods of ‘photoshopping’ to modern digital techniques for image modification and the emerging field of digital forensics.

November’s Speaker Series is presented in partnership with The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, in conjunction with their current exhibition, Mindful Manipulation: Selections from the Thomas Bouckley Collection.  The exhibition, which focuses on the practice of photo manipulation within local history and the motivations behind it, is on display at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery until January 10, 2016.

The Oshawa Historical Society’s November Speaker Series is taking place Tuesday November 17 at 7PM. The Speaker Series will be held at the McLaughlin Branch of the Oshawa Public Library, located at 65 Bagot Street, Oshawa. Admission to the Oshawa Historical Society Speaker Series is $3 or FREE for members of the Oshawa Historical Society; free admission will also be given to members of The Robert McLaughlin Gallery.

A ‘Tall-Tale’ Postcard, with a larger than life fish being caught in Oshawa, an example of an early manipulated image.