Identity Lecture 5th November

This lecture was really interesting, and I really enjoyed listening to James Beighton speak.
The lecture didn't particularly have anything relevant to what I will be researching but its good to think about various topics for the future.

Im really interested in photography, I always have been, so I mainly noted the photographers he was showing us. I liked the concepts behind the work that were explained.

Humphrey Spender /Mass observation- worktown project 1937.
This project was interesting, being a man from upper class London, he took the trip to Bolton to document the working class life in 1937. It perhaps insinuates an uncultured town, where there are only a small handful of people at the theatre to watch 'A mid summer nights dream', and definitely reflects the lack of money in one place with children on the streets playing with chickens feet rather than toys, but its raw and honest and I like that.

Martin Parr- again photographs the lower class folk, in projects like New Brighton, Merseyside, "The Last Resort" (1983-86). A lot of his images are very stereotypical and they condescend the 'poorer' people. These images are the sort that would be displayed in upper class places, where only the rich can enjoy them, but it could be argued that its almost mocking the people of lower class. Is this Parr's tactical approach to photography? Or is this the point he's trying to put across?

Gillian Wearing- her photography was by far my favourite, as it focused on what the people wanted to say about themselves or life in general. Its not someone coming in with their own view point and making money from showing the lives of the lower class. Her project 'signs that say what you want them to say' is a really interesting concept. It shows people the way they want to be shown, and gives them their own voice.