Me You Us
A unique exhibition of photographs taken by ordinary Londoners opens 17th April in East London, providing a colourful and personal insight into the lives of 15 families. All 80 photographs on display are from the PhotoSpeak Project. The project started in 2013 when Community Education Specialist Trina Geasley, photographer Jacqueline Mccullough and artist Liz Clough embarked on a 10-week project aiming to combat issues affecting local women by applying a community education method to the running of a photography project. "Me, You, Us is an honest celebration of the people of East London," the organisers say. "The exhibition is a result of groups working collectively to produce photographs. Each portrait has been constructed personally and differently and all are displayed as taken, without Photoshop or any alterations in post-production." Me, You, Us takes place from April 17th - 24th 2015 at The Arts Pavilion, Clinton Road, London, E3 4QY. Admission is free.
Photospeak Press Release
‘Me You Us’ – photos capture real east London lives
A unique exhibition of photographs taken by ordinary Londoners and capturing the essence of 15 East London families opens 17th April in east London, providing a colourful and personal insight into the photographers, their loved ones and their world.
The photographs are exhibited alongside a selection of portraits of East London women, by East London women.
Me, You, Us is an honest celebration of the people of east London, the exhibition is a result of groups working collectively to produce photographs. Each portrait has been constructed personally and differently and all are displayed as taken, without Photoshop or any alterations in post-production.
One of the themes explored is family dynamics. Participating photographer and mum Tiegh Leader says ‘capturing the true essence of our family has proven to be challenging….we are pieces of a puzzle that slot together.’
The exhibition also highlights loss of family and the challenge of living in east London following family breakdown. ‘My time in London is hard,’ says exhibitor Dinesh Venkatesan, who came to London from India with his wife and child, from whom he is now separated. ‘I am no longer married and I haven’t seen my child for 39 months. I don’t have family here and during my time here my parents in India have passed away. The photographs show the way I deal with London.’
Liz Clough the artist leading the project and curating the exhibition said:
‘In meeting to share their common interest in photography, everyone involved formed strong connections with each other. They also built confidence by developing skills required to take a good photograph. The exhibition also brings together the wider community to enjoy and share their stories as east Londoners. It promotes the importance of conversation, friendship, support and equality. Through the eyes of our neighbours we understand ourselves.’
Belinda Moreau-Jones, Project Lead for Community Regeneration and Partnerships for the Chobham Manor project, one of the organisations funding the project said:
‘The project has enabled the participants to build their confidence by learning photography as a group in a non-judgemental environment. The group have also been able to explore their individual family histories and reflect upon these in their portrait photography. This project has been funded as part of a programme of commitments by Chobham Manor LLP as we seek to invest in communities surrounding Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park by encouraging people to take part in activities where they can meet each other, form friendships and new networks and become more involved in their communities.’
Photo: Phoenix by Tiegh Leader
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