I’m a photographer, not a terrorist! is a project by Birmingham Metropolitan College’s Diploma of Professional Photo Imaging students.
Their end of year show will be for one night at Masonic Buildings on Severn Street, Birmingham on 25th June from 6.30pm till 9.00pm and the after show party will be at the same venue from 9.00pm till late, by invitation only.
Here’s some background to the project:
The students, this year, have chosen to voice their displeasure and resentment at the draconian and ill-conceived Section 44 of the Terrorism Act. Many of the students have been accosted and questioned by the police and security guards whilst in the act of taking photographs for assignments in the course. Also, many of the public have confronted the students during their photographic activities accusing them of potential child offences even though they were clearly photographing a tree or derelict buildings etc.
There’s more on their website here.
Whilst the pictures were good technically and artistically the whole exhibition seemed completely disconnected to the stated theme. There was noting to indicate any problems photographing anything that I could see. Let alone Section44 There was a mention of reportage and documentary in the words that was missing in the exhibition.
Nice exhibition even if it was under false pretences.
Great seeing established photographers like John Hodgett and Pogus Caesar donating their work – a bonus. Caesar’s recent show about South Africa was a real sensation and inspiring for up and coming photographers!
Pogus Caeser on Youtube. good hearing about his past history! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBtL1eLSkcY