THE SPITZ BOX OFFICE - 020 7392 9032

18 - 30 Jan
'Imprisoned. The damaging effects of immigration detention.' - A photographic exhibition by Isabelle Merminod.

An exhibition of photographs depicting asylum seekers and immigrants in detention centres in the UK. The photographer, Isabelle Merminod, was herself the Director of an organisation that visited detention centres and when she returned to her earlier photographic career was moved to put together this exhibition on an issue which is both little known and, yet, Isabelle feels, totally unacceptable in Britain today. The mainly black and white images illustrate the damaging effects of detention; from the family whose mother committed suicide; the pregnant women detained for months; the families divided by detention. None of the photos were actually shot in detention centres (as cameras are not allowed inside) but all the subjects had been detained and gave permission for Isabelle to recreate an aspect of their experience after their release. Their words together with stark statistics and facts add to the images to bring home why more of us should question this traumatising practice which goes on in our midst and perhaps be moved to do more to challenge it.

Supported by Asylum Aid, Bail for Immigration Detainees and Detention Advice Service

2 - 15 Feb
NOW STAND TALL! Icons Of The New Sonic Generation: An Exhibition By Dean Chalkley

For too long Rock Photography has languished in mothballs. The same tired images are trotted out, more often than not with dead stars from the 60's being the central focus of the work. This exhibition will explode this retrogressive attitude.The British music scene is enjoying a renaissance, a revolution has taken place. Exciting music has fought back! It has risen to its feet. This is the rich pasture we find ourselves in now: rows upon rows of exciting new artists, together with certain artists that have rolled with the times retaining a connection and resonance with the current developments.This is an exhibition of images Dean has taken over the past 3 years, included are many of the icons that this new generation of music enthusiasts hold as their heroes. Dean has taken some of the most iconic rock photos of recent years and has had his work turned into countless album and magazine covers.

Taking place in conjunction with Now Stand Tall are 3 nights of music in the Spitz venue, with gigs from artists at the vanguard of the alternative renaissance. On the 2nd, 4th and 5th of February, artists including The Long Blondes, Selfish Cunt, The Horrors, Shit Disco and The Violets line up to play. See the venue page for more information.

Supported by Carling and Metro Imaging

17 - 28 Feb
Unexpected Slough: A photographic exhibition by Michael Walter

The post war architecture of English towns has created places full of clutter, randomly placed buildings and objects that bear little relationship to each other. We are left confused and with a sense of dysfunction. Our peripheral vision distracts and our eye wanders around looking at everything without distinction. One such town is Slough, seemingly having little to offer its inhabitants or visitors, it has become synonymous with everything that is dull and dreary about living in the urban environment. Yet in the series of pictures "Unexpected Slough" photographer Michael Walter has distilled from the chaos an ordered landscape, creating images that play with our perceptions and offer us an alternative view.

3 - 12 Mar
'The Magic Power of Art'

Compiled since 1989, the Art-7 collection of Russian art ranges from small sketches to significant large canvases and, time-wise, spans the entire last century as well as delving into the present. Eclectic in its choice of subjects, landscapes are juxtaposed with still-lifes and portraits with genre scenes. Oils by an older generation of post-war artists who made their names under the socialist state sit side by side with more recent names such as Sergey Marshennikov, Victor Dovbenko and Anatoly Demenko. In this exhibition particular attention is paid to nudes: an important and enduring subject in Russian Art.

In aid of Children in Crisis - currently helping children in ten countries across the world, including the UK.

14 - 24 March
'Knock Three Times': a photographic exhibition by Chris Coekin

Knock Three Times is set in the Acomb Working Men's Club in York, where Chris first photographed in 1996. Coming from a family with a long tradition of socializing in WMCs, Chris's work captures in vivid, metaphorically driven images an aspect of the working class culture he experienced as a child growing up in Leicester. Often ambiguous, his photographs interrogate the complexities associated with that culture: ideas of masculinity, relationships and work ethic are all explored. The notion of 'common sense' provides the foundation for a narrative that looks beyond the surface appearance of WMCs.
'In attending to things that are under threat his photography is able to grasp the fragility of the present." - David Campany

25 March - 2 April
'Eleytheros 1': an exhibition of mixed-media paintings by Fiona Athanassaki

Incorporating an extensive range of techniques from oil and water gliding to lacquer and glaze finishes, Fiona Athanassaki produces multi-textured images radiant with vibrancy and colour. Fluctuating between Greece and London, many of her influences originate in the Mediterranean: Her work is an unceasing investigation into the nature of light and its transformational effects on surfaces. Generally working on a large scale, Fiona primes her canvasses with gesso, mixing oils and other paints with coloured glazes to generate a layered and resonant transparency. Supple in her approach to her work, she treats some pieces with gold and silver leaf, infusing them with a sensuous opulence. In contrast, simpler, smaller line paintings are also included in the exhibition. An absorbing blend of the old and new makes Fiana's Athanassaki's display at the Spitz galleries a fascinating encounter.

5 - 7 April
‘Natural Peace’: New paintings by David Rycroft

In this exhibition a selection of abstract ‘Peace and Inspiration’ oil paintings are being shown alongside panoramic landscapes and townscapes of the South of France. In his paintings David Rycroft uses a new technique of liquid oil paint on card to produce sculptural vistas that suggest natural forms of intriguing luminosity. Combining peace with clarity, the works become powerful objects of meditative contemplation.

www.davidrycroft.com

8 - 11 April
'Coming Home: New Orleans after Katrina' an exhibition of photographs by Mary-Jane Maybury

Daylight Magazine invites you to an exhibition of photographs taken by Mary-Jane Maybury of New Orleans six weeks after hurricane Katrina.
These photographs of peoples homes show us what was left behind for many ordinary people, who have yet to start rebuilding their lives there.

Daylight Magazine, a bi-annual publication based in New York and London showcases the work of emerging and established documentary photographers. By providing a much needed outlet for contemporary artists, Daylight aims to viusally emerge readers with a diverse number of portfolios that balance sensational mass media depictions of social and political issues.

In addition to publishing Daylight Magazine our organization, Daylight Community Arts Foundation, strives to assist underrepresented communities by sharing with them the power of photography. By distributing cameras, establishing darkroom facilities, and administering photographic workshops, DCAF hopes to bring the empowering aspects of self-representation to marginalized groups.

www.daylightmagazine.org
www.mjmaybury.com

23 April - 7 May
‘Walk With Joyce’: an intimate view of one woman's life in rural Tanzania. Photography by Caroline Irby

One year on from the Make Poverty History campaign and 2005’s unbelievable litany of human tragedy – the Asian tsunami, famine in Niger and the South Asia earthquake – an exhibition of one woman’s life in rural Tanzania is a stark reminder of the continuing vulnerability of the billion-plus people on our shared planet who live on less than $1 a day.

This is a portrait of Joyce Mbwilo, in her village. There is no crisis here: no war, no famine, just everyday people doing everyday things, living in poverty with a lot of humour and resilience.

This is also the story of how communities in the developing world are affected by the way we live in the West. Climate change in Joyce’s village, Uhambingeto, has meant half the maize crop has failed each year for the past four years; the country’s debt means insufficient funds to subside secondary education.

Yet Uhambingeto also benefits from out actions: with the initial round of debt relief in 2000, the government made primary education free and compulsory: all the children in Joyce’s village now go to school. And with support from the Christian development agency Tearfund, Joyce no longer walks ten hours a night to collect water: the water is pumped to the village centre.

Supported by Tearfund

10 May - 4 Jun
‘We Are My Sme My Jestesme Mi Vagyunk My Jsme’ Contemporary European Photography

This exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the artists’ relationship with their own countries. Through the versatile medium of photography, they give personal perspectives into social and cultural traditions as well as the new developments currently taking place. Andrzej Krammarz & Weronika Lodzinska, from Poland, present a series of photographs under the theme of “Home” depicting the changes their country is undergoing. “Summerhouses” by Veronika Zapletalova, from the Czech Republic, addresses the unchanging traditions, which form the fabric of the national identity. It also contains reflections of an attempt to find one’s own roots (“Diaries”-Viktor Kopasz, Slovakia), and finally draw intimate connections between the depth of one’s being and its existence in time and space (“Destinies full of Spirits” – Tomas Agat Blonski, Slovakia).

Opening with lectures on European contemporary photography, 10 May 4pm – 9pm

www.pulsefestival.net

12 – 18 Jun
‘Hidden Depths’ – Art by students of the Hanbury Community Project

Words and titles must be supplied by the viewer in this extraordinary and explosive exhibition of framed and projected art by students at the Hanbury Community Project, part of the Spitalfields Crypt Trust.

Bursting with raw energy, vibrant colour and genuine intrigue - we guarantee your first question will be 'How?'

21 – 25 Jun
‘Create To Learn’

A showcase of work from a programme that cultivates partnerships between up and coming artists and London schools.

Art students from London universities including Goldsmiths and Camberwell College have been working with classes at six London schools, developing practical arts projects. The result is a varied collection of pieces including small papier-mâché sculptures of sea turtles, a short animation of children’s drawings and a collection of salt dough safari animals inspired by an ‘imaginary’ holiday to South Africa.

www.createtolearn.org.uk
www.timebank.org.uk

26 Jun – 2 Jul
‘The Golden Third’ – Amersham & Wycombe college degree show

The Golden Third exhibition will showcase the innovative final year work of 12 BA Photography students from Amersham and Wycombe college. Featuring an array of genres, the work will reflect the individual talents of each photographer as they embark on their future careers.

The Golden Third is representative of their continued determination to establish themselves as part of the third of graduating students who will go on to find their careers in their specialist practise.

Their diverse community thrives on the depth and diversity of their range, assisting each other through their intrinsic thought and outward contributions which have culminated to produce this final presentation.

4 – 24 Jul
Stamp Icons

The Stamp Icon collection is a series of light installations featuring iconic public figures from all walks such as media stars, politicians and wannabe celebrities in a humorously satirical light presented as spoof postage stamp collections.

Each installation is 3-dimensional using a specially designed, tiered light box letting the depth of field of the work imaginatively reveal what lies within the subject, or, at any rate, the artist’s own intuitive take.

Each Stamp Icon is issued in a series of Collectors’ Editions.

26 Jul - 13 Aug
All New Cosh Show

Cosh is an online gallery that provides an accessible way to buy limited edition art at affordable prices.

Cosh is proud to say that it exhibits the work of some of the most renowned international illustrators of our generation. Boasting a selection of work ranging from award winning Gregory Gilbert-Lodge’s iconic images through to the super star illustration stature of Vault 49, Airside and the unique and mysterious world of Finnish artist Kustaa Saksi. Cosh has pulled in illustrative artists from the UK, Finland, Switzerland, Brazil, United States and Japan to create a truly international selection of leading artists.

This show is to mark launch the new Cosh site, exhibiting all new work from it's 14 renown international illustrators and special guest's.

www.coshuk.com

16 Aug - 3 Sep
Southend Underground

Dean Chalkley’s first photographic exhibition at the Spitz Gallery back in February, ‘Now Stand Tall!…icons of the new sonic generation,’ celebrated the leaders of a vibrant and contemporary music scene. Attracting over 5,000 visitors over its two week run it was deemed a great success.

On August 16 the doors of the Spitz open once again to Chalkley’s world. This time the spotlight is on Southend-on-Sea. Leave behind any preconceptions and seaside images, this goes beyond the seafront…this is the sound of the underground. A body of work that depicts Southend’s youth counter culture. Like the mods of the ‘60’s or the punks of the ‘70’s this burgeoning scene demands recognition.

Chalkley looks at the main protagonists, and gives and insight into what is happening…Southend is now starting to have a strong impact. Bands like Neils Children’, ‘The Violets’ and ‘Xerox Teens’ have been adopted as members, and others, such as ‘The Horrors’ and ‘These New Puritans’ have come directly out of it.

The show is not however only about bands; it is a window into the characters that make up a movement. The club night ‘Junk’ has acted as the catalyst to all this activity. It is a document of a crucial piece of youth culture.

With this exhibition Chalkley once again firmly proclaims his passion for, and pride in, the NOW!

Special extended gallery opening hours until 6pm for the duration of this exhibition.

www.shootgroup.com

4 - 17 Sep
War On Want: A Photographic Exhibition By Elcio Carriço

Known for violence, drugs and kidnappings, the reality of Colombia is very different from its popular image. Despite its natural beauty and abundance of resources, extreme poverty makes Colombia one of the most unequal societies in the world today. Civil war has torn Colombia apart for more than 40 years and vulnerable minorities like the Afro-Colombian river communities suffer the most. Caught between rightwing paramilitaries and leftwing guerrillas, the way of life of the people in the river delta of the Yurumanguí is under threat and over three million people have lost their homes.

War on Want's first major photographic exhibition charts the journey of people from the Yurumanguí delta to the townships of Cali and Buenaventura. Photographer Elcio Carriço travelled through Colombia visiting War on Want's partner Palenque El Congal and has been a freelance photographer for over 30 years working for top international magazines and papers like National Geographic and Le Monde. Born in Brazil, Elcio now resides in London and won awards for his work in Brazil, America and Europe.

22 Sep - 2 Oct
S. H. Kay: The Sea at Springtime

The Sea at Springtime
All day it rises and falls.
Yes, it rises and falls, (Yuka Buson 1716-84)

In her second exhibition at The Spitz Gallery, Susan Kay continues her
meditation on the horizontal by exploring the changing light and colours of the sea. In her paintings she reduces the essence of nature to a few wide brushstrokes of subtle colour.In contrast
to these paintings she also works with digital imaging recording and
printing the immediacy of the light dancing on the water.

Susan lives and works in London.

www.s.h.kay.btinternet.co.uk

2 – 8 Oct
Transformation
SH Kay, Elizabeth de Monchaux, Catherine Mackay Purves and Jayne Reich met and worked in the same studio block run by the Dandelion Trust in The Old Spitalfields Market until the studios were emptied in preparation for the commercial development of the site. The Dandelion Trust is celebrating ten years of the Spitz Gallery this year, and we've invited them to take part in the festivities.

Each artist’s work has undergone transformation since the time when they worked in close proximity – that’s natural. And yet certain themes remain. Although their collective work is varied, they have as a common interest an openness about the processes by which they achieve the work and its content. Each artist seeks to transform the materials she works with into something very different, be it a place, a sense of space, a moment or an emotion.

9 – 15 Oct
‘The Whisper Of A Million Leaves’ A Photographic Exhibition by Beatrice Haverich

The Whisper of a Million Leaves is a photographic exploration into the relationship between trees and their habitat. Pollution and the climate can all present threats to trees however their longevity and ability to change and adapt help them to survive. The locations and tree species are widespread, from climatic challenged Joshua trees in the Californian desert, to avalanche uprooted trees in the Italian Alps. It also incorporates historical aspects of tree’s existence, as seen in the longevity of old surviving trees in Cuba and Britain, despite poverty and pollution. Finally it is the tree participating in its rural and urban landscape/habitat, shaping it but also being shaped by it. This exhibition is to launch Beatrice Haverich’s first published monograph (Publisher; Damiani Editore) under the same title with a written foreword by Jon Snow (ITN). Poetic and thought provoking it is reaching out to an audience who appreciate photography as art but also with an interest in trees and with environmental concerns. In ‘The Whisper of a Million Leaves’ trees are portrayed with dignity, thus aiming to stimulate greater respect and regard for trees and the environment.

Beatrice Haverich is a German born and trained photographer, living and working in England since 1987. She regularly exhibits her photography in the South East of England. Her work has been nominated for awards and her limited edition artist book Twentyone Palms is part of Tate Britain’s ‘Special Artist Book Collection’. Beatrice was awarded a Master of Photography and Design for The Whisper of a Million Leaves, by the University of Brighton.
www.beatricehaverich.com

16, then 18 – 22 Oct
‘Dance Into Action’ An Exhibition by Henry Reichold in conjuction with Nokia N93

A Multi Media event sponsored by Nokia – interpreting ‘dance’ through ‘Digital phone technology’.

Is it possible to achieve such an array of innovative imaging using solely the latest Nokia N93 phone camera capabilities? Yes, it would appear.. the proof can be seen through this ground breaking digital movie, which will run in parallel with an invigorating exhibition of large format digital images

‘It’s a first’.. London-based photo-digital artist Henry Reichhold is using the latest Nokia N93 camera phone to create this energizing digital movie project and exhibition. The dynamic subject matter will consist of a wide diversity of dance styles; ranging from ballet to break dancing. Coinciding with this, there will be an equally inspiring exhibition of large format images encompassing the same dance theme.

On the opening night there will be a live performance where key individuals and dance groups - including the English National Ballet School (who feature in the movie) - will perform live dance on stage, together with live DJs. Jane Hackett, director of the English National Ballet School, commented: "ENBS are extremely excited to be developing a new creative relationship with Henry and look forward to developing future collaborative projects with him.”

Henry Reichhold is a pioneer in digital imaging. His continuing quest to push the boundaries of digital phone camera capabilities within this rapidly evolving technology industry has created new levels of creative freedom in his work.

Henry combines multiple images in a single piece to give the viewer a unique insight into his subject, these panoramas often taking weeks to construct from as many as 100 separate images. The essence of the work is in the narrative, he pools together a series of visual events to create a comprehensive overview whose impact is reinforced by his unique use of technique and colour.

Through this latest project ‘Dance into action’, his latest visual outcome is nothing less than impressive. For the past three years he has been commissioned by Nokia to explore and exploit the visual capabilities of their phone products.

In recent years, Henry (with Nokia) has staged large format digital photo exhibitions based on themes as diverse as ‘UK Music Festivals’, and ‘Parkour Freerunning'.

Henry’s use of innovative spaces attracts huge audiences- The Tower Bridge Exhibition was seen by every visitor to this major London attraction as well as winning the ‘Best Digital Print Application of the Year’ Award from Canon.

Henry has appeared in many major professional publications and has appeared on Channel 4 and ITV. Sponsors have included Adobe, Apple, Canon, Hewlett Packard and Nokia.

Previous exhibitions included five held at London’s Royal Albert Hall. These featured the English National Ballet, and the then patron of the ENB, Princess Diana having one of the artist's large works in her office.

Current Projects include the ‘Across voyages, a Gatwick Airport Exhibition. This will run for one year and will be seen by up to 5 million people.

www.reichholdarts.com

26 Oct – 8 Nov
Photography by Vanessa Warren

Vanessa Warren’s fashion images are sensual and symbolic, inspired by the melancholic works of Renaissance painters such as Caravaggio and Michelangelo.

Vanessa has earned herself an international reputation as a diverse and exciting photographer. She boasts an exclusive client list, which includes luxury goods brands, fashion designers and music performers. Vanessa has worked with some of the most sought after names in show business; most recently photographing Emilia Fox for exclusive Icelandic jewellery brand Waage’s UK media campaign.

Alongside fashion, she has done a series of travel focused photojournalism shoots and work for interior designers.

Vanessa grew up in Africa and has worked in London, Paris, Reykjavik, Marrakech and Milan. She now lives and works in London.

vanessawarren.com

9 – 20 Nov
‘Visions’ - photography by Tony Kofi

To coincide with the London Jazz Festival season at the Spitz, we are very proud to be exhibiting a selection of photographs by the renowned Jazz saxophonist Tony Kofi (who is also playing as part of the festival on 11 Nov).

Tony has this to say about his photography: ‘Visions is mostly about photos taken from my point of view of the musicians I’ve had the great pleasure of working with over the past decade and a half, or have just been fortunate to be around at that very moment. It’s about capturing a certain moment, mostly at rehearsals, performances or just relaxing before a concert. I’ve been taking photographs since the age of 14 years old, which is longer than the time spent as a professional musician. To me, musicians are very unique individuals, and as a musician myself, I like to capture them before that all important world stage performance. Having first hand insight and experience in this, I find that most musicians show the first signs of finding their inner space at this point, in order to perform at their highest levels or just to be able to focus within their zone. There are serious or humorous sides to us all that leads us to find this, these are the real life musicians who take their art very seriously, and it’s that side of the musician that inspires me to immortalize moving art into still life for generations to come. Visions is the first of many images you’ll see in the next few days, weeks, months and years to come of musicians present and future.’

Rare and intimate portraits of contemporary Jazz stars - including Byron Wallen, Eric Mingus and Curtis Folks - by a contemporary Jazz legend.

20 – 26 Nov
‘Toys’ – An Exhibition by Julio Echart

Play is precious to children. It is a time for growing and learning or just having fun. The toys children play with tell us much about their lives. Many poorer children can’t take them for granted. They may have to work, or fight a war, or they are refugees on the run. Yet even in the worst situations you find children making do with wonderfully improvised toys made from tin cans, wire or wood, whatever they can lay their hands on.

Photojournalist Julio Etchart has made it his personal crusade to document the world of toys and games, from the factory to the playground via the shopping mall, from rich kids to humble shantytown and rural children. His findings are proof that even in the most difficult situations children can be found making do: with wonderfully improvised toys made from tin cans, wire or wood, and whatever they can lay their hands on. These vibrantly colourful images of refugees and war children are typical of Etchart’s work that has long been at the cutting edge of contemporary photojournalism. At home wherever in the world he happens to be working, his subjects are never portrayed as exotic or 'other'; the focus instead is always on the story, never its trappings.

Following the hugely successful one-man exhibition at The Photographers Gallery, ‘Forbidden Rainbow,’ Etchart’s first Spitz show is set to be similarly powerful.

During this show Etchart asks visitors to bring unused toys to donate to charity. A percentage of prints sold on the opening night’s auction will also be donated.

Over the course of the week, the show will be open to local school children who are invited to attend an illustrated talk given by the artist, drawing and play sessions.

This exhibition of 30 high-quality archival prints accompanies Julio’s new book of the same name.

28 Nov – 3 Dec
Art by Deborah Pearse

A weeks showcase of Dehborah's paintings.

There is a scope and diversity to her work revealed not only in her skilled brushwork and depth of colour but also in her subject matter. She is fascinated by the nature of transformation and change and utilises these qualities as a focus for her work, which is explored in three different series. The first being a flower theme entitled Orchidaceous Hybrids, which investigates visual cross-fertilisation by superimposing selected flowers. The series also contains detailed realistic studies. Fluent Networks which references organic patterns and structures in nature, which are constantly undergoing the influence of change, and Swimmers, which also includes portraits. Having also practiced as a hypnotherapist and being a keen swimmer she is interested in the sensation of being both literally and metaphorically immersed and expresses this by dissolving the figures boundaries from above and below the surface.

Deborah took her own stand at the ‘On the Wall’ exhibition at Olympia in 2004 and has exhibited at a number of solo and group shows around the country as well as a number of London commercial galleries including Beaux Arts, Hirschl and Gallery 27 in Cork Street.

www.deborahpearse.co.uk

6 – 14 Jan
‘Loose Ends’ University Of East London mid-year Exhibition

The end of a degree generates a new outlook. Colours seem brighter; the air smells cleaner, the art vibrant and dynamic. So what next? These artists freshly hatched from their artistic cocoon of an east London visual arts programme are escaping the frying pan into the pyre of art. Are they just Loose Ends or is this the first step towards dodging the dole?

A collection from a group of emerging contemporary artists whose work is site specific & responsive. An opportunity to show mid-year, developing work for UEL Fine Art Degree show 2007

19 Jan - 29 Jan
Jim Johnstone: 'Rock'n'Roll Posters'

'Too Bad’ Jim Johnstone is a London-based gig poster artist, illustrator, designer, occasional DJ and musician. His passion for primal punk blues and primitive rock 'n' roll has resulted in numerous posters and designs for Not The Same Old Blues Crap/Punk Rock Blues (London) and Open House Festival (Belfast).

The Spitz exhibition is the first London showing of Jim’s work previously exhibited as part of the 8th Open House Festival in Belfast (September 2006) and features poster size high-quality digital prints of designs that first appeared as promotional gig flyers.

Featured in the show are posters for Soledad Brothers, Immortal Lee County Killers, Heavy Trash, Black Diamond Heavies, Bob Log, Seasick Steve, Hillstomp, Jawbone and more...

www.toobadjim.co.uk

1– 12 Feb
What Is British

God save the Queen, vomit on the pavement, croquet, a kebab and a fight at closing time, cucumber sandwiches, the terraces, Ascot, scally kids in tracksuits, toffs in morning suits, tolerance, aggression, multicultural, white.

Britain?…….

The visual collective photographynotbombs.com look at the nation through the eye of a lens.

14 - 25 Feb
'One Small Island' - Photography by Lottie Lyne

One small island is a photographic documentary of an island recovering from the boxing day tsunami. The exhibition consists of eight hand printed colour photographs that act as extracts from the book of the same name. The documentary allows the viewer to engage with the characters and the successes of the island, which are not usually made available through the media. The book depicts a way of life far from our western culture, a life that is simple yet fulfilled. It represents the islands ability to move forward but never to forget.

26 Feb – 4 Mar
'Work, Play & No Rest' - Photography by Julio Osorio
A series of black and white images of children who live largely beneath the poverty line, the photos in the Work Play And No Rest exhibition and accompanying book sit somewhere between the school of documentary, mass observation, photography and the holiday snap.

Taken on the hoof on a five-year backpack pilgrimage around South Africa and Latin America, Julio Cesar Osorio, a Colombian photographer wanted it to reflect the memories of his own childhood through the lense of a camera; concentrating on the poorest areas of the countries visited to show how children live only with the basics but who have found happiness in daily chores.

His photographs have the charm of a tourist, yet he combines this with a realism, and achy curiosity, in the vein of Dorothea Lange.

The exhibition reminds us, if only temporarily, of the faces and voices of children who are neither seen nor heard and that the vitality of youth and mischievousness of childhood don’t depend on what you are born into. There is an optimism here that is rare in representations of the Third World: a cheerful Colombian girl plays in a river; three pre-adolescent Venezuelan washing windscreens - call it a ‘compelling lightness of touch’ if you like, rather than images of abject realities that shock and are then forgotten.

The accompanying book is self-published with £5 from each copy sold being donated to two charitable organisations looking after deprived children in Abancay in Peru and Cape Town in South Africa.

MAILING LIST

Join the Spitz Mailing List to receive regular updates, breaking news and the chance to WIN FREE TICKETS to our top shows.