PHIL MAXWELL

Mavin Khoo, Dance Genius

September 8, 2012

I took these stills of dance genius Mavin Khoo whilst filming him during the 2006 Venice dance biennial. It’s always a pleasure to photograph someone who is totally at ease with the camera. With Hazuan Hashim I have been filming Mavin for over 5 years. The longevity of this project will means we will be taking the viewer on a genuine journey once we have finished our feature length film about him.

Portrait of Mavin. Venice 2006

Portrait of Mavin in preparation for his performance. Venice 2006

Mavin with Pushkala in preparation for his performance. Venice 2006

Mavin in rehearsal for his performance. Venice 2006

Markets

September 7, 2012

All over the world it seems that markets can spring up almost anywhere. Here are two examples of ‘street’ markets.

Street market, Bangladesh 1995

Sunday market, Cheshire Street. East London 1986

More Trees

September 6, 2012

I can’t help but to return to trees. Whether they are in an urban or rural setting they never cease to amaze me.

Trees in Central Park. New York 2005

East London trees, 1990's

Toxteth Riots

September 5, 2012

Riots are often sparked off by some deep seated social injustice. The Toxteth riots of 1981 emerged during a recession with high unemployment and deep rooted tensions between the local population and the police. These photographs were all taken around the time of the riots.

Slum clearance. Toxteth, Liverpool 1981 (Bishopsgate Institute Collection)

The photograph below was taken on Lodge Lane which was on the fringe of the areas affected by the riots. Immediately after the riots there was ‘saturation policing’ and an uneasy truce between locals and the police. I think the youths demeanour, as he keeps his distance, says a lot about how he regarded the police.