Photo London 2024 May 16-19 Somerset House.

May 20, 2024 Bill Allen

This years Photo London exhibition was well worth a visit. 120 exhibitors from 55 countries.

If like me you know what you like but find the scope of photographic talent out there daunting, exhibitions like these are invaluable . So much talent and knowledge under one roof, not just the image makers but the galleries to.

We are all individuals, and you are going to walk into some of the rooms and say “nope”, but the chance of turning a corner and finding something new that tickles your fancy and fires up your mojo in a collection of artists such has been put together here is very likely.

It’s all very well swiping through images on your phone or clicking on pictures on a screen but in my opinion the framed printed piece stands out head and shoulders above all.

I’ve added some of my favourites below, even Gordon Ramseys depiction of Christ , which I thought was hysterical, his must be made of brass!

Markus Klinko David Bowie Instagram Gallery

David Yarrow "Pride Rock" Exhibition & Book Signing

October 6, 2019 Bill Allen

David Yarrows latest book Pride Rock and exhibition currently showing at the Maddox Gallery’s in Mayfair & Notting Hill is one you’ll not want to miss.

I was recently at a book signing in the aforementioned Maddox Westbourne Grove Gallery where David gave a short talk about his latest work and travels.

As you would expect he spoke of his commitment to animal conservation, his work with Tusk Trust, Wild Ark and many other worthy charity’s and organisations.

If you get the chance to go to attend one of his talks he really does have a way with words, he’s informative, emotive and engaging on a subject that so often is cloaked in the horror that humans are capable of.

I’ve loved his work for a number of years and his commitment to animal preservation is truly inspiring and encouraging.

Below is a press release from Maddox Gallery which details the exhibition.

Maddox Gallery is pleased to present ‘Pride Rock,’ a major exhibition of David Yarrow’s latest photographic works.

For more than two decades, legendary British photographer David Yarrow has been putting himself in harm’s way to capture immersive photography of the world’s most revered and endangered species. Now, carefully curated for the first time, ‘Pride Rock’ will offer a compelling retrospective of Yarrow’s spectacular work in the wild, as well as his elaborate storytelling portraiture.

Featuring over 40 of Yarrow’s most iconic photographs, ‘Pride Rock’ highlights the beauty of the endangered planet and the art of narrative as conveyed by one of the most relevant fine art photographers in the world. Yarrow says: “The balance now suits my personality and has no doubt helped my creativity. Both genres can play off each other and spark ideas.”

Coinciding with the release of his second book – a compendium of some of his greatest works published by Rizzoli – the exhibition will take place at both Maddox Gallery Mayfair and Maddox Gallery Westbourne Grove; offering unprecedented access into Yarrow’s stunning archive.

“There are no universal rules in photography—only personal ones. My central premise is that if photography was a language, then focus would be the most important word in that lexicon. Focus deliberately includes or it deliberately excludes, and it should be emphatically clear what the photographer is trying to say.”

With his images heightening awareness of these species and raising huge sums for charity and conservation, ‘Pride Rock’ celebrates one of the most relevant and evocative photographers in the world today.

Michael Kenna 45 Year Retrospective Exhibition at The Bosham Gallery

August 11, 2019 Bill Allen

I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Bosham Gallery in West Sussex, who from June 1st to August 31st 2019 are hosting a superb exhibition by Michael Kenna consisting of 40 images produced over a 45 year period from 1973-2016.

The exhibition itself was curated by Angus Hayward, who working closely with Michael (which apparently involved plying him with local ice cream) has put together a wonderful body of work and a real treat for the eyes.

Angus clearly has both a good understanding of the photographers work and vision, plus a true passion in what he does, which is evident here.The gallery has even taken the unusual step to give all of its valuable wall space to Michael, quite right to.This has clearly paid dividends with 32 pieces being sold as I write, something we should all feel good about as we strive to hold on to our independent gallery’s.

Below is the galleries exhibition summery together with three short video clips filmed at the exhibition featuring Michael Kenna which Angus has kindly shared, along with a Photo Active podcast by Kirk McLhearn relating to the exhibtion giving the artists thoughts behind each body of work, which is well with a listen.

Exhibition Summery by Bosham Gallery.

Michael Kenna has held over 450 solo exhibitions in 40 countries, he has produced over 65 Monographs of his work, and perhaps the biggest testament to his collectability is the fact that over 110 museums worldwide have requested his work for their permanent collections. He is a remarkable artist who continues to make a significant contribution to the world of fine art photography.

All of his photographs are personally hand-printed in a traditional darkroom as silver gelatin prints, which is what gives them their unique luminance and depth. It is good to know that the silver halide crystals make the prints truly archival. They are all limited editions of either 25 or 45, and we encourage all collectors to buy early before Michael increases prices as the edition sells through until his final print. His work is sold in 30 galleries across the world - early editions start at £2000 and rise to over £10,000 by the time you reach the last number, so any of these would represent a good investment.

A series of short videos discussing the work filmed when Michael Kenna visited the exhibition.

Michael Kenna discusses his silver gelatin printing:

https://vimeo.com/340914864

Michael Kenna explains that every print in each edition is unique:

https://vimeo.com/340917366

Michael Kenna discusses his love of Japan and the trees that appear like ink drawings:

https://vimeo.com/340935715

One hour audio podcast in gallery between Michael and New Yorker Kirk McElhearn https://www.photoactive.co/home/episode-44-kenna

The Bosham Gallery is certainly one to keep an eye on and sign up to their news letter, great job guys!

National Geographic The Photo Ark

July 29, 2019 Bill Allen

I recently had the opportunity to visit National Geographic’s Photo Ark exhibition whilst in Vilamoura Portugal, although the exhibition is touring extensively and showing in many museums and pop ups worldwide.

The Vilamoura exhibition hosts over 50 pieces of works by Joel Sartore and runs until September 30th, entrance fee €10. I may add it’s worth watching the accompanying video which gives a light hearted look behind the screens showing how Joel mostly uses a light box with either white or black background to great success (most of the time) to ultimately represent the 12,000 species of endangered animals featured, highlighting their plight due to habitat loss.

Below is a statement from Joel Sartore on his ambitious project, I wish him the best of luck.

National Geographic Photographer and Speaker Joel Sartore

About the Photo Ark

The Photo Ark started back in 2005, when my wife, Kathy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. My career as a National Geographic photographer came to an abrupt halt as I stayed home to tend to her and our three children.

It’s been more than 10 years, and Kathy is fine now, but that year at home gave me a new perspective on the shortness and fragility of life. I was 42 at the time, and as Kathy recovered, one question continued to haunt me: How can I get people to care that we could lose half of all species by the turn of the next century?

Perhaps a series of portraits, made as simply and cleanly as possible, would give us all a chance to look animals directly in the eye and see that there’s beauty, grace, and intelligence in the other creatures we share the planet with. Black and white backgrounds level the playing field, making a mouse every bit as grand as an elephant. In these portraits, they are equals.

All species are vitally important to our very survival; we need bees and even flies to pollinate the fruits and vegetables we eat. We need intact rain forest to regulate the amount of rainfall we get in areas where we grow crops. But beyond what’s in it for us, I believe that each species has a basic right to exist.

There are about 12,000 animal species in human care around the world. So far, I’ve made portraits of more than 8,000, and we’ll keep going until we get them all. It’ll take another 15 years or so. The goal is to show the world what biodiversity actually looks like and get everyone to care about saving species while there’s still time.

I hope you agree that the future of life on Earth is something that deserves our full attention. If so, please tell your friends that you care about all creatures, great and small. Share the photos. Help us celebrate. Join others devoted to saving species and habitats. We all can make a difference.

Joel Sartore