Photojournalism and documentary photography today.

An interesting look at documentary photography and its relevance today, with some good speakers,slightly marred by no real attempt to pull the speakers together and come to any conclusions.

The speakers were a mix of writers/critics and photographers, and individually brought out many interesting views and points on the subjects.

Anna Fox’s talk was most interesting for her images on her collusion with Allison Goldfrapp and her diary account of living in a house in London infected by cockroaches.

Jon Levy’s discussion of his Foto 8 Magazine described how documentary photography can still be published, albeit less so in the traditional Sunday supplements, now more in a specialised format.

Simon Roberts work on Russia was notable in his commitment to spend a year documenting the new Russia, attempting to avoid cliche, and describe the mosaic of old and new. He travelled by camper van and stayed with Russian families with his Russian speaking wife.

Donavan Wylie’s purging of the Northern Ireland troubles from his mind in work documenting the Maze prison and its demolition, together with new work on British army watch-towers along the border, continued his photographic reactions to issues deep in his own psyche.

Foto 8 – good online photojournalism website

Beautiful photographs from Patagonia

Two gigs last week: Breeders and Bjork.

Breeders were supported by mountain goats most notable for brown bobbly hat worn by the singer. Pretty crap otherwise. The Breeders were brill – a mix of their old stuff and some new stuff. The sisters had some on stage squabbling which was entertaining. Best tracks: No Aloha and of course Cannonball – so good to hear these tracks live after so many years. The new tracks sounded interesting … .waiting for the new album now.

Bjork was a totally different experience. Lasers, smoke, fire cauldrons, amazing costumes and falling confetti/foil made the show visually amazing. She played a mix of known tracks and some new ones. Her dancing to some of the more wild songs was amazing, and she really seemed into it … the crowd was totally awestruck at some of the tracks – I was totally deafened by the applause, and thought my eardrum was perforated at one point. So many good tracks, and few slow ones to give contrast. Brill!