Photomontage Editions of 1
Photomontage is as old as photography itself. It has been a powerful weapon against corrupt governments and dictatorships. As a child I remember viewing photographs of John Heartfield’s work produced against the Nazis and Hitler in particular. At the time I thought the work was like an exploding bomb and was amazed at the courage of Hertfield (who was a German citizen). His anti Nazi work has subsequently inspired many other visual artists who challenge ruling elites.
Dhallywood & the Red Fort, 2009
I’ve always been drawn to what I might describe as the ‘hidden organic footprint’ of any urban area. Primarily this comprises of weathered and torn poster fragments which through accidental juxtapositions develop their own subversive narrative of the time. I’ve photographed walls around the world that have provided a basis for my photomontage. For many years I saved darkroom ‘test strips’ with a view to including them into some kind of photomontage. As these ‘strips’ were usually small portraits in themselves they afford many creative opportunities. Since I am now also working on a series of photomontage exploring ‘Globalisation’ in a purely digital format, the mixed media photomontage has an immediacy and creative vocabulary that includes chance. ‘Back to Basics’ with PVA and a digital image overlaid with a fragment of a darkroom image delivers the best of both worlds and an original piece of art, an edition of 1!
Dhallywood & the Red Fort, Photomontage (detail) 2009
All of these limited edition prints will be on sale at my exhibition at the Bishopsgate Institute. They all measure approximately 48.3cm x 33cm and can be viewed by asking one of the librarians.
Poster remnants. Whitechapel 2008
Mermaidman. Poster & photographic fragments. London, 2008.
Triumvirate. Wall portrait with photographic portrait. Photomontage London 2009
Man with three dogs, poster fragments on Brick Lane Wall. Photomontage, London 2008
Blair & Iraq. Photomontage, London 2008
Christchurch Spitalfields From A Rooftop In Hanbury Street
The view below was taken yesterday whilst we were doing a final shoot for our film ‘From Cable Street to Brick Lane’.
Christchurch Spitalfields from a rooftop in Hanbury Street, London 2010
I last visited the rooftop some 25 years ago and got an entirely different view!
Christchurch Spitalfields from a rooftop in Hanbury Street, London 1984
You can enjoy more shots of Christchurch Spitalfields here.
Surrealism Battles Regeneration in Cheshire Street
I’m sometimes asked the question: ‘How do you choose the subject for the day?’. I suspect that people may think there is a carefully sculptured 5 year plan. In reality, like today, I often get diverted from my original idea by taking the ‘wrong turn’ in my archive.
Man examining 'junk' at the Sunday Market in Cheshire Street. London 2002
Making a ‘wrong turn’ can be fatal as you can easily loose 2 – 3 hours through being sucked into the archive. Every picture tells a story (particularly if you were the photographer). Perhaps these diversions are healthy as I become more familiar with my 40 year old archive.
Man examining 'junk' at the Sunday Market in Cheshire Street. London 2002
So todays Photo Blog is a series of photographs which simply caught my attention and continue to fascinate me.
Man examining 'junk' at the Sunday Market in Cheshire Street. London 2002
An amazing combination of objects with a man being drawn into this surreal installation. This was a free show but because of ‘regeneration’ such sites are sadly becoming very rare.
Photomonth 2011
Following more hospital treatment I’ve made an unseemly rush into my photoblog in order to demonstrate that my brain is still functioning! Thanks again to my partner Hazuan Hashim for keeping everyone posted with his stylish and thoughtful curation from the archive. His curatorial style brought an entirely new take on my work. Thanks again Haz for keeping the shop open….
My 40 year retrospective has also been curated by Hazuan for the launch of Photomonth at the Bishopsgate Institute on September 29th. Rossana Leal and Andrew Grainger of Mercadito Productions have worked closely with Hazuan and archivist Stephan Dickers. Thank to all the ‘team’ for their hard work and advice.
’40 Years On’ will be part of a tremendous range of Photomonth Exhibitions facilitated by the indomitable Maggie Pinhorn of Alternative Arts.
Alternative arts produces and directs photomonth and presents a diverse programme of arts events throughout each year including jazz, dance, theatre, literature, photography, fashion, festivals and exhibitions.
www.alternativearts.co.uk
Graphic for exhibition using photograph taken in Greece.
From Victoriana to Hoxtonite Terminal
Wheeler Street was a forgotten side street for decades but remained a handy way for the residents of Wheeler House to get onto the end of Bethnal Green Rd.
GOING
Woman walking under the bridge in Wheeler Street. London 1987
On Sundays the spaces under the bridge (Now the exit and entrance for the new Shoreditch station) could open up for a variety of different market sales.
GOING
Demolition of Wheeler Street. London, 2002
Somehow Wheeler Street and the spaces under the bridge had a distinctly Victorian feel. The superb Victorian industrial architecture was erily enhanced by poor lighting and thousands of charcoal coloured bricks.
GONE!
Wheeeler Street following demolition works. London, 2002
