Conceptual Art
I recently came across a book called, “I Am a Camera: The Saatchi Gallery” and instantly fell in love with photographer Richard Billingham, who reminded me of my personal favourite: Nan Goldin.
His photos are of rather disturbing looking characters. People who are obviously alcoholics, extremely poor and live in squalid conditions. What makes them noteworthy is they of his own family.
Thus the gaze of these photos are from an unusually intimate perspective. Unlike in the public forums of news photography where these subjects are approached and photographed to ensure shock, pity or disgust, “Ray’s a Laugh” is a private and personal exploration, with no agenda other than honesty and love for people who most would dismiss.
Below is my favorite photo: his mother, obviously overweight with nicotine stains on her teeth, cradles a kitten and holds a mini milk bottle with gentleness and laughter.
Read his descriptions of some photos.
Yan Sham-Shackleton Online 