A small group of its members, along with darkroom co-founder Phil Grey, recently had their portrait taken by the photographic artist Grace Lau.
‘Through this project, I am making a comment on imperialist visions of the ‘exotic’ Chinese. I want participants to think about how different people have been represented in portraits over time, and today. Placing people in this constructed historic setting and taking their portrait is a great way to start that conversation.’
Started in Hastings in 2005 and revived earlier this year in Southampton during the Chinese New Year, the project has now moved to The Centre for British Photography. A faux panda rug and vibrant ‘Oriental’ backdrop and props were augmented by the selection of cameras brought by darkroom members Manuela Fraioli, Catriona Gray, Britt Lloyd, Alex Kryszkiewicz and Giacomo Mantovani.
Turning the tables is never a straightforward process. While the Victorian style Chinese studio obliquely comments on (and consciously subverts) the 19th century tradition of colonial portraiture, and the photographers became the ‘exotic objects’ of a new imperialist gaze, we were all quietly aware there was barely a ‘true Brit’ in the group!
If you want to get your picture you have until December 17th. Full details here.