Tuesday, September 29, 2009

London Post Code Project


A selection of photographs from Gavain Browne’s (GB) fancy London Post Code Project (LPP) will be exhibited at the Queensland Centre of Photography from August - end September. Best described as 'Contemporary Street Photography' LPP is a photographic fingerprint of the 'everyday', the result of a 3-month 30sq mile odyssey around inner and greater London. Using the city’s revolutionary post code system as guide GB mapped a journey across the city.

Armed with a tube map and a fixed lens disposable camera, the aim was to simply capture an idea of what defined the city at that moment, through people and place - a London largely void of the stereotypical iconography associated with it. GB wasn't concerned with taking the 'perfect' photograph.
There was no specific visual agenda - and the rules he set himself were simple - only 3 photos in each location with each location being visited just once. He took photographs in over 50 post codes across London using the tube as his primary source of transport. The resulting images build a unique photo essay on this amazing city.

Decisions on what GB photographed were made on the spot, as all locations were site unseen. London is a city with an unprecedented amount of surveillance directed towards its 8million plus population, so it was fair to say there was at times, a little unease towards the camera. Ironically he wanted to create a sense of informality and comfort by using a disposable camera.
However, the project isn't all about people.

Environment and object became key themes as patterns began to emerge through shape, light and colour. A watchful Christ bears over a deserted north London cemetery; a few paces outside 2 white surgical gloves lay coiled on the ground.

See the full collection here

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