Honour of Statues
2021
It’s understood that statues should convey honour, yet so many around the UK portray figures of those who supported or profited from racial violence and segregation.
On the 7th June 2020, the statue of Edward Colston was pulled down in protest in Bristol city centre. This cast a spotlight on the statues we walk past every day and what they represent.
Ayesha is a black female GB Fencer who has represented England in the Commonwealth and Senior British Championships, she has her ambition set on the Olympics. We explored the symbolism behind the sword and the use of plinths both in the presentation of statues and winners within sports. Ayesha and I decided to make images celebrating her strength, ambition and achievements, displaying her in statuesque poses. History has shown us statues that represent what people in the past chose to celebrate and memorialise, this piece demonstrates the legacies we celebrate today.
2021
It’s understood that statues should convey honour, yet so many around the UK portray figures of those who supported or profited from racial violence and segregation.
On the 7th June 2020, the statue of Edward Colston was pulled down in protest in Bristol city centre. This cast a spotlight on the statues we walk past every day and what they represent.
Ayesha is a black female GB Fencer who has represented England in the Commonwealth and Senior British Championships, she has her ambition set on the Olympics. We explored the symbolism behind the sword and the use of plinths both in the presentation of statues and winners within sports. Ayesha and I decided to make images celebrating her strength, ambition and achievements, displaying her in statuesque poses. History has shown us statues that represent what people in the past chose to celebrate and memorialise, this piece demonstrates the legacies we celebrate today.
The Matadors
2023
Bullfighting is a huge part of the Spanish identity and history, with origins as early as 711 AD.
With growing division in the opinion of whether the killing of an animal should continue for entertainment, I went to Spain in search of the next generation of young hopeful matadors.
I found young men who felt they’d learnt respect, courage and discipline from the teachings of bullfighting. Some were from generations of bullfighters and the culture around this performance of strength, movement and machoism was their life in and outside of the arena.
2023
Bullfighting is a huge part of the Spanish identity and history, with origins as early as 711 AD.
With growing division in the opinion of whether the killing of an animal should continue for entertainment, I went to Spain in search of the next generation of young hopeful matadors.
I found young men who felt they’d learnt respect, courage and discipline from the teachings of bullfighting. Some were from generations of bullfighters and the culture around this performance of strength, movement and machoism was their life in and outside of the arena.
Knowing The Ropes
2022
Shoes squeak across the tiled floor. Skipping ropes get whipped into a frenzied whoosh. Sparring partners erupt in laughter, yelps and shouts.
Beneath it all is the steady rhythm of punches being thrown: glove hitting bag, glove hitting pad, glove hitting body, glove hitting face.
2022
Shoes squeak across the tiled floor. Skipping ropes get whipped into a frenzied whoosh. Sparring partners erupt in laughter, yelps and shouts.
Beneath it all is the steady rhythm of punches being thrown: glove hitting bag, glove hitting pad, glove hitting body, glove hitting face.
The Coffee Bar Cowboy
2021
George Skeggs, more commonly known as Soho George is one of the true last Soho legends.
An artist who creates surealist style work, he can be seen daily walking the streets of the area in his distinctive zoot suits and wide brim hats.
George first came to Soho over 60 years ago, when the rock ‘n’ roll scene was still centred around 2i’s Coffee Bar on Old Compton St.
“They used to call us the coffee bar cowboys”.
In 1963 he became a resident and has been a key part of the area ever since.
2021
George Skeggs, more commonly known as Soho George is one of the true last Soho legends.
An artist who creates surealist style work, he can be seen daily walking the streets of the area in his distinctive zoot suits and wide brim hats.
George first came to Soho over 60 years ago, when the rock ‘n’ roll scene was still centred around 2i’s Coffee Bar on Old Compton St.
“They used to call us the coffee bar cowboys”.
In 1963 he became a resident and has been a key part of the area ever since.
