4s
Centre for Contemporary Fine Art
Bytom, Poland, 2020
The naval uniform/costume, is a lukewarm reference to a period of study where I was reading through archives of letters within public collections of museums in London, that showcase a strained relationship beteen Prince Phillip, his son (now) King Charles and the involvement or mediation with Lord Mountbatten. Using maritime adventures as a metaphor for the above mentioned figures of male authority across bodies of uncontainable water and emotion, these photographs address personal family archives which are closer to home and the documentation of travel through postcards and staged photographs from the early 20th century. The interwooven nature of colonialism and its portrayal across film, literature and art. is depicted in these photographs where I travel around central
London, exploring its endless possibilities for consumerism and entertainment. Whether it's a wild night of food and drink, or an insight into history and institutions of
power, London is a city that can provide it all. These images represent a man lost in time, isolated and
deluded somewhat like the stories we print and engrave to sell cities and monuments.
4s was part of an exhibition at the Centre for Contemporary Fine Art, Bytom Poland and an international conference called: ‘Steretypes & Storytelling: Research Strategies for Art Education ‘ organized by Academy of Fine Arts, Katowice and part of the PARALLAX project carried out with Chelsea College of Arts, Plymouth University and University of Gothenburg.
Photography by Pippa Brabyn