Behold
These photographs were taken in major railway stations in London. They capture a moment that is universal. We have to stop and concentrate and behold. It is at these moments that our public face slips and we are seen as individuals. Those of us who live in cities are desperate to look in control but at times certain situations show that we are vulnerable, tense and searching for direction.
This searching implies a certain spirituality. The subjects look upwards as though seeing something divine. It reminded me of the shepherds depicted in renaissance art who see the heavenly choir. It seems that even in our secular society we all have moments that evoke moments that a more religious age might recognise.
They were taken with a medium format waist level camera and the subjects were not aware that their picture has been taken. I took inspiration from Walker Evans’ Many are Called work and Philip-Lorca diCorcia’s Heads series. Although in a public space the subjects are in a private moment. Does this allow him to take their picture?As street photography becomes under more pressure this work looks at the idea of privacy and photography and the rights of both the photographer and the subject.
