The Workers Gallery in Ynyshir have been working hard on a collaborative new Photography exhibition titled ‘People Power’ as part of their ‘Protest Art Season’
People Power draws together 14 women and non-binary activist photographers showcasing their work documenting protests from the 1980s to current day with some of the most iconic images of activism through a feminist lens. In collaboration with the Richard Burton Archives, Swansea University, Four Corners Gallery, London, Bishopsgate Institute, and the Martin Parr Foundation. The show also includes reproduction photographs of ‘artefacts of resistance’ from the Miners’ Strike including badges and posters.
The exhibition showcases 46 photographs, a slide and sound show from renowned activist photographers and reproduction prints of artefacts of resistance and photographs from national archives. Funded by the political education charity the Lipman Miliband Trust, the small indie Workers Gallery has been able to collaborate with several celebrated photographers and internationally prominent institutions to bring many of these images to Wales for the very first time. Elements of the show will tour via cargo e-bike in early 2023 to reach those unable to get to the gallery – including those living in nursing homes or people who are housebound.
SPECIAL EVENTS DAY - Saturday 19 November 2022
Saturday 19th November will offer visitors the opportunity to meet activists and photographers alike in an informal sharing event in the afternoon and an evening talk with a Q&A with the London-based activist photographer Angela Christofilou.
www.angelachristofilouphoto.com/england
10.30 – 4.30pm - Wales-based Photographer in Residence for the day will be Booker Skelding www.instagram.com/bookertphoto
EXHIBITION
Exhibiting Photographers: Rachel Barwell, Angela Christofilou, Melanie Friend, Sheila Gray, Judy Harrison, Mariam Kamish, Tracey Leonard, Jenny Matthews, Maggie Murray, Joanne O’ Brien, Raissa Page, Brenda Prince, Val Wilmer & Mo Wilson.
Poster for the exhibition’s Special Event day of talks on Saturday 19 November
Additional information on People Power
The core of this show is from a body of work that formed the celebrated ‘Photographing Protest’ exhibition by the Four Corners Gallery, London earlier in 2022. The central images are from Format Photographers Agency photographers established in the early 1980s (closed in 2003) as a women’s only photographic agency founded by Maggie Murray, Sheila Gray, Pam Isherwood, Anita Corbin, Jenny Matthews, Joanne O'Brien, Raissa Page and Val Wilmer.
It was a platform for female photographers to develop their creativity and enhance their careers. Documenting the world from a different angle and representing issues, events and individuals who got very little coverage in the mainstream media the resultant photographs captured a range of important political events and momentous social movements, including the women’s peace camp at Greenham Common, LGBTQ+ marches and demonstrations and various women’s rights movements and demonstrations.
Work from the three Wales-based activist photographers – Tracey Leonard, Mariam Kamish and Rachel Barwell is also featured alongside fellow activist photographer Angela Christofilou who featured in the Four Corners Gallery show.