**London Lives** exhibition launches at Photo London, curated by Francis Hodgson. Featuring 30 artists, the exhibition highlights London’s multicultural essence, showcasing both iconic and lesser-known works. It balances light-heartedness with serious themes in a vibrant portrayal reflecting the city’s diverse character. The exhibition runs from 15-18 May at Somerset House.
London is about to immerse itself in a fresh perspective as the exhibition, London Lives, opens its doors at Photo London. Curator Francis Hodgson is spearheading this creative celebration of the city’s rich cultural diversity and variety, hosting works from 30 different artists, all of whom are currently living and working in London.
Hodgson emphasises the underlying ethos of the show, stating, “If you work in London, or take a walk, or shop, you encounter people with differing perspectives.” He underlines that the exhibition aims to mirror daily life in London where different ways of seeing help enrich one’s experiences. It appears the whole exhibition encapsulates this uniqueness and diversity — a delightful and chaotic representation of the city.
The exhibition spans the expansive East and West galleries of the Somerset House, showcasing pieces from renowned photographers. For instance, David Bailey’s iconic shots of Jean Shrimpton from the 1960s are part of the mix, along with contemporary work from Jermaine Francis commissioned by the Financial Times Weekend Magazine. The contrast in the artworks on display raises eyebrows as it stretches from familiar images to lesser-known gems, all snapping the spirit of London in different ways.
Notably, artists like Idris Khan and Edmund Clark are featured, the former showing a celebrated composite of Tower Bridge and the latter offering deceptively serene landscapes that hint at deeper political narratives. Hodgson himself notes the thrilling mix of styles and methods; he juxtaposes Kander’s structured portraits with Turpin’s candid shots on public transport, presenting the city’s vibrancy in multiple shades.
The varied sizes of the works draw a parallel to the overwhelming imagery of daily life in London — from eye-catching billboards to tiny images viewed on smartphones. Hodgson is evidently aware of how Londoner’s consume visual culture, guiding both seasoned art lovers and novices through the exhibition’s eclectic nature with accessible yet thoughtful captions.
Interestingly, the exhibition isn’t afraid to touch on serious themes either, especially since it comes at a politically charged time. Reform UK’s rise due to its tough immigration stance looms over the city’s diverse fabric. While acknowledging these currents, Hodgson maintains the exhibition’s light-hearted spirit, steering clear of didacticism, insisting instead on the joyful messiness of city life.
He reflects on some artists’ choices such as Bailey’s East End photograph. Bailey’s roots in a largely neglected area fuel a subtle critique of social discrepancies, although he opts for ambiguous captions. Gregory’s series, dedicated to the first matron of Lewisham under the NHS, showcases similar duality — the need for entertainment to soften a serious yet important narrative surrounding race and gender.
The London Lives exhibition will be open from May 15-18 at Somerset House’s Embankment East & West Galleries, with a VIP preview set for the 14th. It promises an ambitious, multi-layered view of a city defined by its differences, a celebration of the chaotic splendour of life in London.
In summarising, **London Lives** at Photo London portrays the vast diversity of life in the city through the works of 30 artists. With its playful yet serious approach to contemporary issues and cultural richness, Hodgson’s curation encapsulates the essence of London as a vibrant, layered space brimming with varied perspectives.
Original Source: www.1854.photography