This is part of the ongoing series called Bus Stop. The world
observed through the graffiti etched windows of bus stops that I
frequent in the city of Birmingham UK.
Reflecting the work of abstract artists and following in the footsteps of photographers such as Saul Leiter. My unique form of street photography is a consequence of my frequenting bus stops and shelters around the City of Birmingham. Graffiti can be great art, however for me the etched, scrawled and scratched graffiti into the plexiglass windows of the bus stop feels like a violation. like a poke in the eye, or deteriorating vision through age or disease. I've yet to see any of these etchings that looks great in its own right. I also feel a windows full potential as a clear barrier between yourself and the elements is compromised when the view beyond is obscured, distorted and blurred by the scratches. I fix my camera on the etched lines and generally put the view beyond out of focus. it’s in the processes after that I enhance the image by merging the graffiti and the view beyond. Some are more abstract than others, at first glance looking like paintings. I love the way they are almost anti-photo, they resonate with my past engagement with Punk culture. There is a lot of energy in these pictures. they invoke frustration, beauty, love, pain and anger. For me I have to let go somehow when viewing them. I need to let them be what they are to fully enjoy them.
Awards I will be exhibiting my work at the London Art Bienalle 2017
Michael Ernest Sweet gave me a Special recommendation for my submission to the World Street Photography competition 2016.
