In a departure from his usual genre, British fashion / portrait photographer Rankin is launching his new book and exhibition RANKINJOZI - an insight into South Africa today. Exploring the genres of documentary, social portraiture, fine art photography and reportage, RANKINJOZI is the virtual record of Rankin’s journey to Johannesburg for the filming of South Africa in Pictures, his one-hour documentary for BBC Four. The documentary is airing in Spring as part of Wonderful Africa, BBC Four’s Southern Africa Season. Venturing out onto the city streets and into homes and communities, Rankin’s portrait of Jozi (i.e. Johannesburg) not only documents his own personal journey, but provides an insight into the land and its people. The exhibition will run from 7th May to 6th June at Annroy Gallery, Rankin’s own Kentish Town gallery space. The book is available via www.turnaround-uk.com, RRP £20.

Press Release

RANKINJOZI

Rankin explores South Africa and its people in his new book and exhibition

Exhibition Dates: 7th May - 6th June
Annroy Gallery, London

In a departure from his usual genre, Rankin launches his new book and exhibition RANKINJOZI - an insight into South Africa today

Photographer Rankin travelled to Johannesburg in January 2010 to film a documentary on South Africa. The documentary sees Rankin discover contemporary South Africa though a series of meetings with some of the most important photographers in the country’s rich photographic history. Inspired by the people, places and events he encountered along the way, the upcoming exhibition and book RANKINJOZI is the visual record of his journey.

RANKINJOZI sees Rankin depart from the glossy fashion images for which he is best known, exploring the genres of documentary, social portraiture, fine art photography and reportage. Venturing out onto the city streets and into homes and communities, Rankin’s portrait of Jozi not only documents his own personal journey, but provides an insight into the land and its people. From children playing in townships, to the vibrant fashions with attitude of Johannesburg’s city streets, and moving reportage of a ritual baptism; RANKINJOZI celebrates the rich culture of tradition, community and diversity that thrives in South Africa today.

The exhibition will run from 7th May to 6th June at Annroy Gallery, Rankin’s own Kentish Town gallery space and is the second project in the gallery’s exciting 2010 programme. The book is available from all good book stores and via www.turnaround-uk.com, RRP £20.

Image Credit: © Rankin

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