hamsa and the representation of hands in graffiti

Over the years I’ve photographed representations of hands in graffiti. I often associate the icon of a hand with the hamsa – the middle eastern symbol of protection, usually represented as an open palm with and expended middle finger, with the thumb and little finger sometimes curving outwards, Both Judaism and Islam uses this icon … Read more

Venetian abstracts

I came across these colourful architectural facades – unusually bright for Venice – on my visit last weekend: The next two images are windows on the city, partly obscured by curtains and shutters: And I really liked the abstract effect created by layers of torn posters, with the face at the centre still legible:

Uncertain States/2014

Uncertain States is an artist-led project showcasing lens-based art. Formed in 2009 by Fiona Yaron-Field, David George and Spencer Rowell,  Uncertain States publishes a free quarterly broadsheet newspaper (see my previous journal entry Uncertain States/18 features my Frown Project),  holds regular artist talks and organises and curates exhibitions. The current exhibition, Uncertain States/2014 is on at Bank Gallery … Read more

women and percussion: women who play bata

When I was in Miami in September I attended a workshop given by one of my favourite Cuban bands, Sintesis. Sintesis fuse rock and other contemporary genres with traditional Afro Cuban music. They use bata drums as part of their percussive sound. Bata drums, when used in Afro Cuban religious ceremonies are only played by … Read more

Choir people

I’ve been taking pictures of the choir I sing with, The London Lucumi Choir for several years now. Many of these albums are on Facebook, the most comprehensive of which is the album choir people Here’s a new picture of Charlene at yesterday’s rehearsal. Her dress caught my eye, as did the stained glass of the … Read more