We are excited to be bringing a new exhibition to the Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre this September. One Family Project by acclaimed Midlands based photographer will be in the main creative space from Tuesday 5th September.
“ONE FAMILY PROJECT”
I have always been and, to a varying degree, remain what I term an
“incidental photographer”. In other words I rarely go out deliberately to take photos.However, in 2017, inspired by an online Flickr group called “100 Strangers”,
I undertook a portraiture project for which I photographed (over a period of
several months) 100 people, in the street or in various indoor locations –
invariably pubs!
This proved a considerable challenge – to find interesting people, suitable
backgrounds, good natural light and (not least) the courage to approach
strangers and engage with them.
Some of those images are included in this exhibition. “Maryam” is one of
my favourites and she has since become a nationally renowned
photographer, perhaps best known for her images of the South Asian
diaspora here in Birmingham and for having received the “Portrait of
Britain” award in 2021.
I have recently become concerned at the often negative portrayal of race
relations amongst the media and various social commentators.
For decades now there has been steady, gentle integration between people of
different racial origins in this Country and I see the evidence more and more,
perhaps especially amongst the younger generations.
This can be a sensitive process and one easily derailed by unwise
Government policies and those above wishing for ever faster progress.
Whilst not denying the complexities that can exist, I observe daily a positive
trend and so decided to take to the streets with my camera once more to record this.
Most of the images here are the result of street encounters, some lasting for
less than 5 minutes, although I explained briefly but clearly the reasons for
the photos being taken and exhibited. Hopefully they portray the positive
relationships formed between people of different racial origins.
I have no doubt that some of the people pictured may have stories of
problems they have encountered along the way but, most importantly, they
are together.
Fundamentally we are “One Family”.
Alan Harniess