Closer

Abstract

A Jury-selected exhibition of images based on a continuing study of Liverpool that progressed research earlier initiated in The Close Season. The work was a study of social relationships and intimacy within a defined working class community in Liverpool. As a continuation of the ongoing investigation into the representation of working class culture in the Northwest of England, the research acknowledged the position of historical filmic appraisals of the region and sought to provide a cohesive study of the vernacular particularities and private domestic spaces throughout a particular district in the City. It also sought to advance representational shortcomings in earlier author’s projects, notably the editorial work of photojournalists such as Bert Hardy, Peter Marlow and others. The research considered the position of young adult men within the district, their social engagement and conduct within peer relationships.

The work was exhibited at Blue Sky Gallery, in a show conceived by the artist Chris Rauchenberg, and was sited ‘in dialogue’ with work made in South of England by the artist Stephen Hughes. The work formed part of the group exhibition, Landed, that was later exhibited at Studio Marangoni, Florence, Italy in March 2007.