Sian Macfarlane

Sian Macfarlane is a Senior Lecturer in Photography at the School of Digital Arts (SODA), Manchester Metropolitan University. Her work bridges creative education, historic photographic practices, and critical engagement with ecological and landscape themes.

Her research focuses on folklore, subterranean cultures, and post-industrial landscapes, with particular attention to sustainable darkroom practices and energy humanities. She has published on haunted landscapes and folk horror, and her artistic practice integrates performance, installation, and archival materials.

Recent projects include the 2023 exhibition It's Dark Without, It's Light Within and a 2023 book chapter on Dudley’s subterranean folklore. Her work intersects with the Welsh Energy Humanities research group, collaborating with Cardiff University and Bangor University.

She has received funding from the Arts Council for research on Rejlander’s photographic legacy and participates in festivals like the Hunters Moon Festival and Supersonic Festival.