Identity
Pride, once an intrinsic human emotion, has slowly turned into a commodity. The concept of pride has been commercialised and exploited for various purposes in modern society. Pride has become a key element in today's consumer-driven world, from marketing campaigns to branding strategies.
One of the most prominent examples of the commercialisation of pride can be seen during Pride Month, which is celebrated globally each June. Originally intended as a time to commemorate the Stonewall riots and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Month has now become a lucrative opportunity for businesses to capitalise on the rainbow flag and the concept of inclusivity. Countless companies release limited-edition rainbow-themed products, ranging from clothing and accessories to food and beverages, all aimed at attracting consumers who wish to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride is a protest, a way to fight for equality and visibility. It is a way to remember the struggles of the past and celebrate the progress made. Pride is a reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure a better future for everyone.
My project involved photographing members of the T.Boys Club and other groups outside T.Boys during London Trans Pride. It is my intention to remind the viewer that Pride is not only a celebration but also a fight for our human rights.
The project 'A Message to You' aims to portray a united community. Over the years, queer people have fought to be heard, seen, and accepted as who they are. It has been a continuous battle for our rights. As Marsha P. Johnson says, 'No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.' Thus, these documentary series feature portraits of LGBTQ people with a message of unity and integration to the community. The idea behind the project was to create a body of work narrated to a particular viewer. Through this project, I hope to bring joy and pride to everyone and show queer people they're not alone - they have a family, and the community loves and supports them.
These series of colour portraits were created as part of my first-year BA Photography course. Each participant was given a plain sheet of pen and paper and asked to write a message they believed was important to the community. They were also asked to show up as themselves without preparing for the photo shoot. Thus, the series represents an authentic and honest insight into each individual's personality. The portraits capture moments of joy, satisfaction, and pride. The project reminds us to be strong, unapologetic, and strive to stay true to ourselves despite what society might think of us.
Celine (she/her)
Charlotte (she/they)
Liubov (they/them)
Mia (she/they)
Ochi (she/they)
Rachel (she/her)
Walter (he/they)
Melisa (she/her)
Szymon (he/him)
Silence is Complicity
I began to look at Brutalism not only from an architectural viewpoint but also as a form of art that extends far beyond buildings. What does Brutalism mean? Is it just an architectural movemenNigel Henderson, particularly his curatorship of the Parallel of Life and Art exhibition, inspired this project. His work and the exhibition particularly inspired me. Untitled from Henderson's Parallel of Life, the collage reminds me of home, when I see decaying concrete buildings and large ruins. It also brings back memories of a time when I felt the most free and alive. No matter how chaotic life may be, I can still appreciate its beauty and complexity.
"Brutalism beyond architecture" is my first project for my BA in Photography. This project demonstrates the beauty of nature's decay and the complexity of life. It also demonstrates how raw/concrete is not just a material to build with, but a material with its own unique aesthetic. This project is a reflection of my own personal emotions and experience with nature, as well as a way to show the beauty of the world in its rawest form.
Prior to knowing what the project would be, I spent a lot of time shooting without a purpose, a motive, or a plan. During the first two weeks, I shot four rolls of film and discovered my fascination with brutalist architecture. In fact, I've been fascinated by Brutalism architecture ever since I was a child. I lived in what we call "Panelka" aka concrete buildings during my childhood, and especially in Sofia during those days, such buildings dominated the city. Later that week, I ended up at the Royal Botanic Gardens by accident. Since I had my camera with me, I was able to take some photographs. After developing two more rolls of film in the darkroom, I began to wonder whether I should concentrate on architecture or nature. In addition, my tutor pointed out that the plants were indeed raw, so they would go well together. During my research into Brutalism, I discovered Nigel Henderson's work. This inspired me to see the two ideas together and find the connection.
This project required the submission of physical prints that had been made by enlargers in a darkroom.
This project required the submission of physical prints that had been made by enlargers in a darkroom.
