PHOTOGRAPHY
I’ve been photographing a series of abstract yet documentary images taken in London’s disused telephone boxes. They all include fragments of tart cards – these are flyers featuring sexual services. To me they are ephemeral representations that reference the tradition of the female nude as well as 21st century notions of desire in the city. … Read more
In recent days whenever I look down at my bare knees I think to myself that these could do with a wax. On the other hand, why bother? It’s January, freezing cold, and we are in Tier 5 lockdown. I then remembered that there’s a campaign called Januhairy which started in 2019. Women are encouraged … Read more
The use of the exclamation mark in writing is generally discouraged. In my experience, an exclamation mark in academic writing is perceived of as frivolous. My husband says he was taught to use one in every ten thousand words. The late Terry Pratchett is attributed to have said “Five exclamation marks, the sure sign of … Read more
A few days ago I was walking in Frith Street in London’s Soho. London is gradually easing out of lockdown and cafes and restaurants are preparing to open on July 4. As I approached a long-time regular haunt, Bar Italia, I saw the door was partially open so I peeped in. They were in the … Read more
I’ve gathered a selection of signs and messages that I’ve encountered during the past month. They date from 20 March, 2020, several days before London lockdown was announced to images taken this week. Some are official, some intimate, some are signs of gratitude and hope. They range from examples of orders and restrictions created by … Read more
I take many photos where the representation of eyes are a key element. Indeed I have blogged about this theme on several occasions. Usually, the eyes I am drawn to are all-seeing and observant. Sometimes it is a single eye, a fragment of a torn or folded poster. It has also been a mystic 3rd … Read more
Nowadays in addition to carrying my red metal water bottle I make sure I have a little folding paper fan with me. Although it doesn’t help that much on the hot, airless carriages of London Underground I am usually grateful for the relief this simple classic device provides. I’ve always like the look of fans; … Read more
A few months ago I came across an article inThe Guardian newspaper which featured the photograph below by Mukesh Gupta of some street art in Jammu, India, protesting rape. I took a screenshot of the image as it really resonated with me, particularly the representation of the silencing – the hand over the mouth of … Read more
I’ve gathered together some old family photographs that all, with the exception of the final image, predate my birth. In these photographs the cars and other forms of transport are integral to the photograph, they are not just part of the background. My parents and relatives wanted these objects to feature and be recorded. The … Read more
Back when I studied History of Art I spent a year in Venice researching various secular motifs in 18th Century Venetian painting. My assumption from that time was that Venice, unlike Rome and Florence, was not particularly a centre for religious iconography. However, on recent visits, walking around the city with an objective eye, I … Read more