Short and sweet this one, its been a while since I had the urge to write.
This sort of links with what I am part-time creating whilst working, but mainly worked as a reminder and a real nice Saturday.
In March 2025 Grimbarians/Humberlands announced their first HUMBER PORTRAIT PRIZE call out as part of a festival.
Grimbarians is more than a not-for-profit organization. It is a creative movement, born to change the story line of the town and the way people identify the area. Through documenting and showcasing the lives of local people, we aim to promote confidence in the area, increase pride and build a stronger, more positive reputation for Great Grimsby because #grimsbyreallyismore
They also have a beautiful photography studio, they host social meet ups and so much more.
The exhibition opened on 16th October and throughout the week there was many different events hosted. On Saturday I went to a event In Conversation with Brigitte Lardinios & Amanda Crawley Jackson – two powerful women with different backgrounds coming together to mentor, collab and create. The discussing was around exploring photography, place, culture practice, and of course hear about their incredible careers.
When you are sort of familiar but not quite aware of the beautiful “extent” … well I only had to take part in one gathering.
The story here is about “culturally deprived North”.
For starters, the location where Grimbarians are based is the best. Plains of industrial landscapes, buildings, old and new, clean and empty roads, railway line, odd passer-by, sea air and beautiful silence. So you wonder: are we lucky that the area is not claimed by keen investors and legacy washed away/community removed/brick demolished? South can’t afford this. We are lucky to have these semi-occupied edgelands, the escape and wholaa! there are small hidden gems thriving quietly.
Secondly, the space where both studio and venue/exhibition space is great. Same story here: reclaimed old building, repurposed and with its history still breathing in the brick.
The exhibition space is user friendly/lit beautifully with and without studio lights, big fan of it. Certain charm to be there working with great people. And yes, I tell them that the best studio locally is in Grimsby. It goes down well every time.
Photo above: Jack Gleadow and Grimbarian studio 2025
Exhibition space too don’t disappoint. It almost inspires me to want to gather a portfolio to exhibit. Invite people to an opening and celebrate being a photographer.
Again I ask if I am deprived for having access to an affordable studio, exhibition space with a team that will move on even if they didn’t receive the funding to go ahead, regular meet ups free to access? We are lucky to have a creative community who want to grow and build a network, collaborate and share. All the nice things.
For all above reasons wanted to mention this little experience last week and congratulations to all photographers involved in Humber Portrait Awards.
…and here we are, here I am. 2024 and ongoing great city for culture, events, communities and friends. The city that is home and place to grow, stay and root yourself deep. 2024 has been a storm for me and very last day of it I am lastminutedotcom, because life. Life that is busy, work that is changing and challenging, free time that is little. I wasn’t sure if I will get to this point to summarise my year with culture in Hull, I silently wanted to give this up, but I couldn’t. I have realised that I have to hold tight to what I do good until I can’t, including being in the city with camera and deliver this every year.
Time and technology has been my enemy to achieve this and I have sworn a lot, so words will be less. But hello to all people who was part of my year, amazing organisations, events, clients to make my day/week.
I have visited Ferens Art Gallery three times this year and it truly is one of the best free to enter art galleries in the UK.
Jason Wilsher-Mills: Are We There Yet?
I remember from around 2017/18 visiting Artlink for one of his exhibitions, meeting him and thinking how unique he is. And here he was, in Ferens exhibiting large scale masterpieces. Really really good. Even though not directly interactive, it felt like we, the members of public, are part of it. The art was for us.
Round two at Ferens Art Gallery:
Ferens Open Exhibition
Two visits worthy, 2024 delivered extraordinary work. I have been to Ferens Open Exhibition every year since 2015 and this was my favourite. It was rich with variety and mind boggling art work. Children’s section was adorable, will never forget the cute fox painting.
Ferens Art Gallery change the in-house exhibitions too, so most times it is a treat for the eye. At my visits I don’t squeeze through crowds of people, and it nice to consume art in piece.
Absolutely Cultured have truly kept the momentum going since 2017. With new directors board, events/exhibitions/workshops/talks have carried on being exciting and definitely resumes to be the heart of cultural scene in Hull.
Humber Street Gallery/Absolutely Cultured have truly kept the momentum going since 2017. With new directors board, events/exhibitions/workshops/talks have carried on being exciting and definitely resumes to be the heart of cultural scene in Hull.
Fellow photographer and friend Abby reminded me of the opening night event and after a long day I did drag my tired ass and I am so glad I did. It was a great exhibition, especially considering how many people it brought to the gallery and touched heart strings.
At the opening night it was more of a catch up and socialising, enjoying being there, so I probably saw two photos. So I went back again with a purpose to see the exhibition.
You and Me in HU3 presented the work of two artists, Russell Boyce and George Norris. The exhibition wove together a series of black and white photographs taken over 40 years ago with ongoing work shot in colour. Through this duality, You and Me in HU3 charted almost half a century of change across an area of Hull which has seen vast social transformation since the decline of the fishing industry in the mid 20th century.
Composed of distinct series of images, the exhibition reflected a breadth of social issues whether historic or contemporary. In “Changing Times”, Russell presented an intimate set of photographs documenting daily life for a young mum during the 1980s housing crisis, whilst “Rag-Bone” explored the once prevalent but now declining occupation of the rag-and-bone man. George’s series “Gypsy Childhood” was a set of images born out of the artist’s sustained generational relationship with one of Hull’s horse-trading Gypsy communities, meanwhile “A Love Letter to Hull” was a celebratory ode from the artist to his city, loaded with warmth, love and familiarity.
The opening was full house bonkers amazing, which I was lucky to be part of. Bursting with street art culture, graffiti, photographs, installations, a screening, good vibes, music, good people, possibly true rumours that Banksy himself was there, it was truly one of the highlights of the year.
Live Like Legends is a bold and compelling celebration of Hull’s Street Art and graffiti scene. Taking place across two floors at Humber Street Gallery, the exhibition explores some of the joys and complexities of this unique form of public expression which has had a striking presence in the urban landscape of Hull since the early 1980s.
Bringing together many generations of artists who have made critical contributions to the development of this vibrant and far-reaching cultural scene over the past forty years, Live Like Legends presents newly commissioned artworks highlighting the diversity of creative practice within this artistic community.
Working collaboratively, the artists and an eclectic mix of contributors celebrate self-expression through highly stylised graffiti and multimedia work, alongside curated archival material including photography and previously unseen footage. This important cultural archive provides context to how the graffiti scene intersects with other aspects of street and youth culture, and alongside society more broadly.
Included in this exhibition is work by Detour, Ekoe, K148, Kev Le Kat, Leebo, Lonny POP, mike sprout, Mr Joe, NoHone, OBOUT, Oman, Paris, Pesh, Pinky, SI2, Skeg, Sophie Cash, Spamdog, Vrok, Xenz, Yours and Ziml.
Luis Bustamante is a Chilean photographer. He and his wife, Carmen, arrived in Hull in December 1974, as political refugees. Their son, Sebastian Bustamante, is a British-Chilean artist, curator, and researcher.
On 11 September 1973, a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet seized control of the South American country of Chile. The coup deposed the socialist president, Salvador Allende. The Pinochet regime launched an extensive and brutal terror campaign against Allende’s supporters, including kidnapping, arbitrary arrests, torture, and executions. Groups in Britain and elsewhere worked to highlight these abuses and to support victims and their families. The Humberside branch of the Chile Solidarity Campaign organised for 30 Chilean exiles to move to the city—Luis and Carmen were among them.
As well as continuing his studies at the University of Hull, Luis walked the streets, photographing what he saw. “The camera had two purposes: it was a connection with a new life and a shield that enabled me to look at it,” he later said. These images vividly capture a sense of everyday life in Hull in the mid-1970s, a period of significant social and political change.
To mark the fiftieth anniversary of Chilean refugees arriving in Hull, Cold Junction unites Luis’s photography with Sebastian’s ongoing project El Otoño. Bringing together objects, photographs, and video, Sebastian’s work explores his status as a second-generation exile. El Otoño honours those who were disappeared, those who stayed, those who left, and those still trying to build a better future in Chile.
For the start, I haven’t been in Artlink space for years and I was amazed how beautifully the space is renovated, especially top floor kept with so much light and features.
The exhibition was very very good, the curation was exceptional. Me and my partner thoroughly enjoyed it. I was drawn to small details in a space that has so much breathing space and light. The story humble and perfect content for photography touching topics even more relevant today.
In the past I have worked for the festival and it is a intense job. After I winded down with photography in 2022 and stopped focusing on always being the photographer at major events in Hull, I didn’t have much content to show-off. This year in my career was focused on estate and odd creative projects, so I really wanted to be at the festival as a photographer. It was a great day, day for myself, with fluid brief created for myself. Highlights was the Parcel Project and Sync or Swim by Tamara&Jo
These two powerhouses always deliver. It was burst of colour and wackiness. As per usual crowds loved it. So did my camera and my photographers soul. And, hell, I was so glad to see so many familiar faces in the audience.
Freedom Festival overall was full of sunshine, the crem-de-la-crem of Hull’s finest people, great events and happy vibe, Hull transformed for the festival duration of busy busy bee town.
At the festival I bumped into Curiosity Hull which leads me to a little job I did for them few months ago at Pipe&Glass.
Curiosity Hull is a movement toward greater understanding, increased knowledge and ingrained accuracy. Taking questions, queries and requests from members of the population of Hull, Curiosity strives to provide the best, correct guidance and answers.
All content is made by the people of Hull, scrutinised by librarians from Hull’s public libraries and presented as accurately and helpfully as possible.
Curiosity is brought to you by the James Reckitt Library Trust, which has dedicated the last 100 years to increasing the provision of public libraries in Hull.
Here are the team in Hull at the Freedom Festival. We had a lovely chat, we talked Hull, David Burns from Radio Humberside, Clive Sullivan Way and what I do.
This was a quick but grand opportunity. The team travelled to Pipe& Glass in South Dalton to recreate ancient biscuit recipes by a Michelin Star Chef for a feature. Stunning location and a unique opportunity. Good biscuits too.
As you might of heard, I have had an interesting year in my career, so sometimes my planned culture ventures didn’t happen. Like this one below. Hull Central Library exhibition space was suppose to have an street art exhibition, but I missed it and instead I had a quick look at the James Reckitt legacy.
The year brought the usual: pretty regular jobs, new opportunities, projects, but I more and more struggled for time to have free time to do self-imitated work or culture ventures. The consequence is not very much content and some cool events missed. But I don’t dwell on it, I am trying to learn to understand that I can’t have it all.
In early 2024 I had to deal with a new challenge and I started freelancing(in a way) in estate/property photography industry. It wasn’t the plan, but I started building a portfolio and planned to have a separate business branch. I didn’t want to, I don’t think the industry is in line with other photography pay-wise, it is not about the heart of photography, I quickly learned that it is about “quick-shit-fast-turnaround” and as usual I wanted extra better. Spring/summer in my memory will be like a storm of shit where I tried to succeed and built the presence in the new industry, but I also looked very hard for sustainable alternative. Our Big Picture came together again and we mingled, went to Leeds Photo Festival, I stopped hosting photography classes and closed that chapter for a bit and was busy printing personal archives.
We also had a little meet-up and workshop hosted by Wes at the gallery.
And then we went on a walk in Cleethorpes as a collective to be with the place. It was interesting and insightful to walk round the edge of Cleethorpes and talk. Initially the requirement was not to treat it as a photo-walk, but I soooo cheated.
Our Big Picture is not quite Hull, but it is close enough and very important part of my 2024, so I have included this in the summary.
Our Big Picture Gallery and organisation is a vital part of North Lincolnshire culture/arts scene, listed building is a home to small and cosy exhibition space, recommend a visit.
The decision to stop hosting photography classes was a little difficult, but at the time I couldn’t justify the energy I invested versus money it was bringing and I paused it for a bit, but after great feedback and encouragement from my students, I am hoping to start my own “thing”. Last workshop hosted didn’t quite work out like planned, but never the less, it was very good and I felt very lucky with my last bunch.
This festival is family. Jed and Gary working hard every year to bring the festival together to make Hull laugh. I try and visit at least 3 shows and this year it was very good selection.
Other small things happened: visit to Warrington to see fellow Latvian photographer Lasma Poisa’s exhibition Motherhood Uncovered for a little research for my own ongoing personal project.
Did some outings to scout for Halloween shoot locations and came close to discover a real local gem, but the fence/cameras stopped me to get closer [guess where this is]
Here we are, still cultured. I really want 2025 to be more, but I am not making promises. The incentive to go out and account for it at the end of year feels like the last remains of my creative practice and work, but it is not true. I am still alive, here and people in Hull are keeping me on my happy toes. it just gets busy and I wish for more hours in the day, while dealing with the hours I have.
Thank you to all the clients, friends, organisations and my family for being my heartbeat.
This weekend I visited Photo North Leeds Photo Festival and it indeed deserves a quick shout on my blog. Reason one: Peter Dench, one of my ultimate photography heroes, is the creator of the festival and was present at the festival.
Reason two: Martin f Parr exhibited there – SAY NO MORE
Reason three: On Instagram I kept referencing to the attendance as brain food – pudding for my photographers soul, a treat organised by OUR BIG PICTURE and legendary Abby Jennings. It is so important to feed your creative curiosity, expand horizons and network with other photographers, industry specialists. Festivals like these are crucial elements to sustain the medium and preserve its role in this mad world.
Reason four: I am tiptoeing through career stage where I really have to pull every brain muscle to figure out all my best next steps way ahead and be ON POINT. So every chance to work on my creative practice, meet people and network, essentially keeping the artist in me alive, needs to happen without an excuse.
I will be short and sweet.
Little bit about the festival:
In 2018 we had a vision to bring a lively, welcoming and professional photography festival to new audiences. A festival where visitors would leave feeling nourished and inspired.
Alongside a sensational display of exhibitions, from celebrated and emerging artists, is a stimulating Live Lounge of talks and screenings. In our Market Area you can browse book, zine and print stalls or just relax with friends, make new ones, all within a background of music, food and a licensed bar. Money is raised for several charities.
Students are a key part of our mission. Festival Friday is Education Day with participation and presence from teaching organisations and students across the UK who can benefit from free portfolio reviews and career advice from photographers and industry experts.
With your valued collaboration we’re getting there. Together we believe we’re building a community around a ‘must see’ event on the annual photography enthusiasts calendar.
First, I liked the choice of venue, I think the exhibition was curated beautifully. Cosy, not too snazzy and not out of reach, and the work exhibited covered a lot of genres. It is pretty genius in the scale to achieve that.
There was also hosted talks with industry professionals, I listened to one and it is rich to hear from other creatives. Everyone’s journey can either be relatable, exciting and new to you, what you hear, you can learn from, or get inspired. Or get motivated to either stick to your won blazing guns or work harder. Olivia Brabbs, a photographer from Yorkshire really inspired me with her warm presence and openness. Her work is beautiful, generous in colour and love the range of clients she has. Loved gmosley, she was funny. She is an illustrated that found her place under the creative sun by just being herself and now is swimming towards big bright light. Proves that being yourself and letting loose, can be your business.
The exhibit summed up everything I believe in as a photographer. Great story, beautiful colours, wacky content and bold statement. It was a delight to see, what a talent, what an execution. It assured me that my mantra of believing in my own bad taste is me, and I should stick to my own guns and not “sell on”.
Most work there was a eye candy, I loved the variety. The layout was well executed, as I found myself lost in the stories one by one.
Very, very nice to see Martin Parr exhibited at the festival. Those who know me, are aware of my obsession with him. Martin Parr and his style is like a small colourful and wacky figurine on my shoulder, whispering me to be bold with colours, loose shame and find the wacky/weird/ironic/silly in the world. Forever grateful.
Last but not least. In early March I was planning to submit work into Ferens Open and the photograph I wanted to submit was close to my heart. I wanted it to be printed beautifully, majestically. Definitely not a foamboard print. After some research I found that acrylic prints could possibly meet the need. At the festival there was some beautiful acrylic prints and I was thinking what you are thinking. Acrylic it is. I don’t think I ever consciously have gazed at acrylic photograph prints and I think that most of my work belongs on acyclic in print.
Here we are, short and very sweet. Thank you to the festival. Definitely coming back for more in 2025.
As per tradition this blog post is here just before we clock off for 2022: mic-drop kind of send off from me. It’s been a funny year you know, but amongst all the “life give you lemons, some good for a lemonade, some can go in the bin” there has been culture outings and some awesome jobs in the city.
You will see that my culture wonders are not as frequent in my 2022, but I still believe that our city gives us cultural treats for us to feast on and we embrace it. To some I wishfully never went to, but things I did attend made me smile, wonder and love the city (you know I am a big fan of Hull).
This year was big and important for myself, and it was almost like stepping on the other side, where the light is. The start of 2022 was tough and most days my head was rolling into the mud, my body trying to catch it, but I didn’t give in. New home came, I found somebody who is worthy of me trying to stay sane and hopeful for the future, then my new lush job came (job interview with a glass of wine and a onesie: not a luxury, but necessity), great freelance jobs kept popping up and then I found love. On the very last day of the year, I look back and it was the best year in decades. Today I am grateful and ready for 2023. We all know it’s going to be a difficult year, everyone skint and worried, world around us is falling apart, opinionated and angry species that poison the happy and good, climate change probably is going to throw some surprises our way and so on. As individuals we need to focus on our own good deeds, be nice and do our best, be open minded and engaged, care and love, respect and never take for granted. And the shit that come our way will be easier to deal with. Simple, isn’t it? And never forget about art and culture, we all need it in our lives.
Which brings me to my main subject: CULTURE IN HULL 2022
2022 started with a spectacular event across the city that Freedom Festival Trust trust brought to us: The Awakaning. “It’s initial creation was a way of driving audiences to significant cultural landmarks within the city of Hull as part of an outdoor cinema experience. Beautifully using the environment and the historic buildings that line the streets by projecting on to them at night, Re:Score allowed the audience to connect with warm, nostalgic footage from the past with a reimagined, bespoke musical soundtrack.”
Amongst everyone’s favourite events in Hull the light shows will always be on the top of the list, to layer Hull landmarks in stories about Hull with visuals and lightshows works magic. The attendances were amazing and in my personal spectrum, me and my partner learned things as we went along.
Ferens Art Gallery as usual gave an interesting exhibition BRICK BY BRICK by Andy Morris
Designer Andy Morris, aka Little Big Art, is based in Cardiff and specialises in making LEGO® themed artworks. He has exhibited his work internationally.
His work, Popcorn Time! 2018, was exhibited in Ferens this year and aren’t we just lucky. It was fun, as cheesy as it sounds, but it was also very detailed and genius/beautiful. Kids area had a space to build your won and me at 32 seized the opportunity.
At the same time there was more exhibits that tickled my fancy too:
Freedom Festival this year was not pencilled in my freelance diary, but on the last day I went out to see couple of the events.
SIRENS at the Tidal Barrier, GF Smith PORTAL: A JOURNEY THROUGH COLOUR down Humber Street, 2Face Dance LAST ORDERS down Princess Dock Street were my last-minute choices. All of which brought smiles, inquisitive thoughts, questions and nevertheless another link to the city built through cultural experience
GF Smith exhibition photographs have vanished in my archives, but one for the eye and memory I suppose.
UNBOXED ABOUT US in April was the favourite. I guess another light show in the city that was a visual spectacular, but for me it was very special. In silence at late hours, I visited Queen Victoria Square and found my seat. I watched it I my own time, in the space I built for my self with someone I love.
I visited Humber Street Gallery on few occasions for leisure and work purposes, nice stroll down the lovely street always ends there.
BLOOMBERG NEW CONTEMPORARIES 2022 was hosted at the Humber Street Gallery in November. It contained various artist and artworks and as stated is an annual survey exhibition of emerging and early career artist. From my own Google search Humber Street Gallery kind of nailed this: it is prestigious opportunity and lucky us [again]
Throughout the year I also did some cool freelance jobs closely Hull culture related:
Absolutely Cultured FAST FOOD MEGAVERSE by The Herd Theatre . This was commissioned cultural outing, it was family-friendly, all age groups welcome type of happy event.
Humber Street Gallery hosted one of the best things of 2022. Silent Uproar is an award-winning theatre company based in Hull and I had an opportunity to photograph one of their shows.
Big thing this year was getting involved with Risky Cities Project for Hull University. I was asked to cover many events and I loved it.
“The city of Hull and Humber estuary region has an 800-year history of living with water risks, including recorded floods from the 1250s onwards and several major floods since 2000. Despite this, research has found that residents have a low engagement with flood risks and adaptation measures, such as flood alert systems.
In response, the local councils, alongside the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and the University of Hull, have developed the Living with Water Partnership with the principle aim of increasing awareness and engagement in the region.
The Risky Cities project will contribute to this partnership by drawing on Hull’s long history of living with water – as recorded in its artistic and cultural heritage – to raise climate awareness and build flood resilience today and for the future”
The project focused on engaging with local communities across the city and that was the “juice” of the project. The conversation around the subject was vital and I learned so much throughout the workshops, talks and exhibitions.
New Year’s culture resolution: to be more out in the culture, monthly visits. More frequent none-work related culture wonders. This is the seventh-year culture blogging anniversary and I want to celebrate double that, so let’s get cultured.
Almost my escape, but more a general way of some peoples escape from the urban rush and recently Covid strains.
These series are a short personal experience from being in allotment with the seasonal garden work and chats over the fence. Last summer I spent few days here helping and catching sun, this spring returned.
Maybe my upbringing, maybe my love for outdoors, maybe my wishful thinking that I have green fingers, or all combined is what draws me to these mystical allocated zones in cities for people to connect with the basics.
My friend who owns the allotment is a straight forward woman with a big heart. She invited me in, gave me opportunity to learn craft, help pulling weeds and eat the goodness,
I am hoping to create more photographs over the season, as this indeed was one of my favourite pastimes in the pandemic,
We each found our ways to cope, to last and to still enjoy life and there was many people taking advantage of the allotment. What was your escape?
The past few months my life has been a shit show, but there has been so many great photo moments that I am excited to shout about it on the last day of 2019.
Yes, 2019 I really want to slap you, but despite all the things that went bad, I had amazing work and culture opportunities, another bunch of great people in my life and rememberable image stock.
October brought HIP PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL and this year the festival did shine a bit more than last year. The festival celebrated its 6th year and brought to Hull Peter Dench, Rhiannon Adam, Claire Armitage and Lomography. There was also a vast selection of local talent on display.
My favourite of course was Peter Dench with Trans-Siberian World Cup series. I also very much loved the Rhiannon Adam’s Pitcairn series shot in Britain’s last Pacific Overseas Territory. Photographs are stunning, even breath taking I dare to say. Her photographs with voyeuristic edge and true moments of intimacy masquerading as casual snapshots, but holds loneliness, isolation and portrayal of a broken society shrouded in mistrust.
Peter Dench never disappoints. Never. This time he tackled a culture that is quite familiar to myself as me being from post Soviet Union country. I thoroughly loved the photographs.
As one of the unexpected surprises was the exhibition COHERE.
The exhibition was a collection resulted from various workshops where photographers worked with writers and performers from refugee backgrounds to create an exhibition that creates, challenges, disrupts and charms. The result is pretty amazing. Films, visual installations and photographic works of art that gives an experience that in a strange way tailors to your won life experience. It worked for me on different levels – I admired the visual with textures, playful colours with disrupted lines, the touch-and-feel experience. On the emotional level I felt inspired and touched by the imagery. The exhibition COHERE was on the top as one of the favourites.
The festival offered plenty of work that meets the demand for different subjects.
There were others that I really liked – The Launderette one on the ground floor of the Princess Quay, Homer Sykes and others. It was a great festival and I am glad I made the effort to make it part of my culture wonders.
For the first time in long time I also had the joy of re-visiting old places through the viewfinder. It sounds simple, but for me that sparkle was long gone, so to be in the mood for such was a great feeling. The long waited pedestrian bridge played a small roll in that too.
Nenna Kalu Wrapping [above] raised my eyebrows even though the the basis or the work are great. Nenna Kalu works with ActionSpace, a London based visual arts organisation that supports artists with learning disabilities. In the current exhibition she used various materials like plastic tubing, newspapers, foam, fabric ect.
The work is very tricky to judge appropriately in such exhibition space, as usually we get some high end art.
The other two floors were Aniara Omann and Equanipolis. The artist evokes and questions different aspects of the human body with sculptures that at once resemble and mutate the human form, as well as our relation to ecology through her choice of material.
From summer until end of October there was a little Hull Fishing Industries treasure display at Hull Maritime Museum. The heritage and tradition of women working in the fishing community was celebrated through imagery. In this exhibition, award-winning photographer, Craig Easton, well known for his landscape work and intimate portraits of real lives, explores the past and present. It will bring together the three strands of the fisherwomen’s story: their heritage, their journey and contemporary portraits, including exciting new commissions of Hull’s own fisherwomen.
Fisherwomen celebrates the tradition and importance of women in the fishing industry by following the traditional route of the herring trade from Shetland down the east coast, via Hull to Great Yarmouth.
The exhibition highlighted the central role of women in the fishing industry today, even though their work is now almost entirely done behind closed doors in processing factories, sheds and smokehouses.
The sad thing was that I missed the exhibition and just saw the “remains” that are on display currently.
On a sunny weekday I strolled into city centre for business, and was a pleasure to see Hull lit by sunlight. Autumn can be dull, and it is dull mostly, so I was lucky to have camera on me to record the rare scenes for that time of the year.
“Michelangelo – A Different View” at Hull Minster was the thing that everyone raved about, and I had to see the Sistine Chapel’s iconic scenes with my own eyes.
The first thing that caught my eyes was the odd phones and the quite an elderly generation. The combination reminded me of a tourist group from Germany and that made me chuckle.
The exhibition was quite a piece – the atmosphere in Minster definitely was the correct recipe for a success.
I found myself in a bizarre situation – instead of grasping for breath after being stunned by Michelangelo, I was amused by other people and their reactions.
I mean, yes, it was quite alright, but I guess I’m not the “type”. As long as it created an excitement and buzz amongst people, I am happy to approve.
What I approve and celebrate myself, is the little things and the little snaps of people in the right place and the right time for a great photograph. Hull Minster is a treasure in its own right and to see any kind of exhibition hosted there is a privilege.
In 2017 I created few images to acknowledge Whitefrigate’s empty shops and how the shop windows were used as canvas for marketing or art. I decided to revisit this in 2019 – and see the change. Baring in mind all the regeneration plans, it was a curiosity more than need for culture images.
November brought another good festival – Hull Comedy Festival 2019. 2019 was another year where the work commitments and health issues made me unavailable for 90% of the festival, but it was a great, great feeling to fill the old boots for 10%.
I happened to see a gig that was hosted by Jed Salisnbury at Princess Quay, and although on a small scale, it was filled with laughter and good humor.
I have known Ross as a comedian from the early days, I have had then pleasure to shoot NOT SO LATE NIGHT SHOW WITH ROSS AND JOSH and I have had belly cramps from laughter from previous festivals. Ross still holds the same amount of charm, fun and entertainment.
Stevie Gray was a “fresh” act on my list and OH MY. He was totally hilarious. He did good and even better – when he’s guitar lost a string he cracked on as normal and made his repertoire even funnier without music.
End of November and beginning of the December was that time of year when I started to come out of my hiding spots. I had to face the fact that Christmas is coming and there will be no hiding from happy. I had plenty of work upcoming that was festive and so I had to embrace it.
One of the proud moments was the tough decision to grab a tripod and travel to Hull City Centre for the Christmas decorations and tree.
Funny though that I picked the windiest night of all times and all the efforts to have steady images on slow shutter went in a bin.
I don’t think that it is visible with a naked eye, so MISSION COMPLETE.
The main spectacular was lacking wow factor. Yes.
Another interesting work opportunity was through The Herd Theatre Company in Barnsley – Slime. It was more of a work opportunity than culture haul, but it was inspiring, sweet and full of culture.
It was a great honour to be asked to capture the pre show promo’s and I had a great time.
2019 was the year where I had to make an extra effort to gather images for the blog. But those moments when I was out with camera, proved that there will never be enough of Hull for me. The city remains vibrant and full of solid gold people and places.
It was everything Hull could want just before Christmas. A collection of talented local artists, craftmakers and genius in on place – offering great food, stunning gifts and Hull merchandise.
Whilst there I also had an exclusive insight into behind the scenes for the Enchanted Wonderland created by Bluebeany aka Anna Bean. The show featuring performances by Ruth Getz, Zoe Hughes, Michelle Dee, Caroline Ullyart and Joshua Barton. Described as.. “if the Mighty Boosh made a Panto”
Anna is just amazing! Her talent, her personality and the drive to succeed is inspiring. I am lucky to have been thought by Anna and work with her.
Her shows are becoming iconic to the city and could be something that Hull is known for widely across the country.
Her stamp is all over.
The last but not least was the casual walks around the Humber Street that cheered me up. Little festive preparations, decorations and Hull sense of humor are things that help people to get into festive spirit, including myself.
This blog post is a bit of a cheat – it was supposed to see the daylight on the last day of the year, but family circumstances and other factors caused days delay. We can just pretend that we waved goodbye to 2019 yesterday and are looking forward to a bright and shiny new decade.
My year has been a struggle in personal life and so I am thankful for what I still have, of what I managed to achieve and how many people stud by my side when I needed support.
2020 will be a new era for my work and business, I want to expand, change and evolve. I want to once again feel in control of my own life, decisions and career.
This time of year has brought sadness to my family. My grandfather past away on the 30th December and I had to suck up the reality and commit to write the last blog post of 2019 whilst in Latvia. Despite the loss, we as a family are staying grateful and thankful. To be able to take away gratitude from this darkness is a gift. My grandad was a strong character and living to the age of ninety is not a surprise. He was tough. strong, honest and humble. To even think that I could make it to that age with my head held up high like he did…
For the future of this culture blog I will continue to explore and celebrate culture scene in the city, as we still have another year before Coventry officially takes away the glory.
Coming to the dark and wet months is fine, but we all need a bit of sunshine and at least 20 happy minutes each day. Luckily I have made peace with summer passing and autumn is all welcome. Hull Fair, Bonfire Night, Halloween, Christmas…so many things to look forward to.
I have been delaying this blog post for a while due to personal reasons, and I always thought that the next day will be better than the present one. I learned the hard way that waiting around for the better day is foolish, instead I will make this day better and more suitable for writing RIGHT NOW!
There was also a decision if to separately share Humber Street Sesh and Freedom Festival images – this year neither of them were on my top list for various reasons, but somehow I got a little snipped of both. And my 15% contribution was amazing. Great moments deserve their own spotlight, right?
So a quick list – most of them random and spontaneous: RSPCA Annual Bike Show, Climate Strike in Hull, Turner Price XL Food&Drink Show, Woodmansey Garden Centre haul [or market] where I went to visit Hotham’s Gin, and both festivals [separate post coming soon]. Blimey, it feels like this is the most pathetic list of all times.
So…
When the directions that you are heading to are blurry and not distinct, it is OK to detour slightly. In my case just randomly turn up at the Turner Price XL Food&Drink Show at Bonus Arena. It really was a random choice and I giggle thinking about how it may look – photographer walking around the food and drink stalls, juggling camera, piece of cake, flyers and goody bags. Sure I looked like I am there for freebies, but that wasn’t the story. I literally had no idea what the show will be like and for sure I didn’t prepare myself to taste so many things, get my hand kissed and get totally excited about Harrogate water bottles, oh! and was asked if the Fentimans display has enough botanical references [like I know a thing about display building].
The highlight was probably the unexpected rage of products for caterers, hotels and cafes, in my case education, and attendance. It was packed full with people representing a business, and of course people who love a freebie. The variety was from actual buyers to browsers, tasters to players.
And this brings me to the main point – I have totally missed an opportunity to shoot some Dench and Parr style shots. Really gutted. Instead I was fact recording, mainly looking at food [of course].
Hopefully next year I will be much wiser and embrace the opportunity, because this year I learnt that attendees are too busy browsing, so I will have all the opportunities to shoot some great shots. Maybe that should be my new thing to attend events of this type and create narratives around each?
Speaking of things I have definitely fallen in to a dry period and each day starts with a prayer not too loose everything I worked so hard for.
Hence why these past few months have been so empty with tumbleweed dancing through my creative and professional practice.
When I found out about the annual RSPCA Bike Show, I thought bringing camera can’t do any harm – I never know who will I meet, what will happen at the fundraiser.
Pride is something that was seeping through every moment. People were the leather with pride, ride the beasts with pride, respect each other, RSPCA workers did their duties with pride, and even the local pear tree thrives with pride. Sweet and positive gathering that more people should talk about.
Another good and vital attendance was the Climate Strike in Hull. The strike in Hull was a small piece of a global puzzle. Tens of thousands of people across the globe united to speak about the climate change issues, shout at the government, raise their concerns and show initiative that we are all ready to change. I silently hate the system, I hate that I am part of the consumerism society, I hate the greed and ego that runs the parade. At the same time I know I am just a small particle in the big space and the anger is only driving myself crazy. I felt a little power running through my vanes at the strike, through the lens I joined the energetic young people, wise activists and general public. I believe that the strike was organised by Youth Strike 4 Action Hull, working together with Animal Rebellion Hull, Friends of the Earth Hull, Extinction Rebellion Hull + big thanks to Lauren Saunders for inviting me.
Last, but not least was the visit to Woodmansey Garden Centre [famous for its sexy fish tanks and range of ocean fish, corals] market. That Sunday was dull as ever and I really needed a reason to get out of the house. And my new fave gin company Hotham’s Gin promoted their tasty gin, new orange vodka and Gin School under the greenhouse roof. The twitter post was inviting, showing off the tropical vibes of the place. Hotham’s Gin are run by two really interesting, lovely and hardworking people [Emma and Simon], so it was a pleasure to have a natter and see that things are moving great for them.
I mean, it’s not the culture that I would usually blog about, but there is some culture in local brews and others drinks, so it counts. Another perfect excuse was that the market happens every so often and local craft makers, artists and small business sell their work, promote themselves under palm trees and tropical blooms. So here you go – cracking culture there.
I will have to try much harder in the following months to keep some value in my work, I know. By the looks of my diary there will be some exciting clients, work up until Christmas and that will be the fuel for culture hauls.
The story and my involvement in this project is a wonderful example how great people across the region can come together and create something outstanding.
I guess it started with a idea and a pot of funding available – Stewart Baxter from Hinterland Creative saw a potential and need for a photography project across Humber region. He united with the amazing local artist/photographer Anna Bean [aka Bluebeany] and mapped out cities/towns that hides talented photography interests.
When I was approached to help out I had no second thoughts – I am great believer that being a photographer and road to success is networking, or as I call it “make friends”.
And this project was all about making friendships, meet other photographers, inspire someone that lacks courage and be inspired myself.
My role was to document the project and I also spoke about my work on few occasions.
The project was everything that we ever wanted and the exhibition is a beautiful collection of that.
We travelled to Scunthorpe and Driffield, also making things happen here in Hull.
We had amazing people involved – Christopher Manson, Joanne Coates with workshops to develop skills in documentary and storytelling photography.
We had inspiring photographers and filmmakers like Alec Gill and Katie from Flygirl Films, our own Stewart Baxter thrived as a photographer throughout the project and Anna Bean made sure we all dare to experiment with our ideas.
We went on BBC Radio Humberside to tell Burnsy and people in Humberside that we are here and ready to exhibit and showcase the work we’ve done. We went to GF Smiths to learn about paper and photographic printing, we created newspapers through Newspaper Club for our project and we had a nosy at the HIP Gallery in Hull. We also ran a workshop for image editing and post process and we for sure made friends like Pam in Driffield.
I will allow images to speak for themselves in the gallery below:
Some of the project participants were handed with Lomography B&W film cameras and that was another great addition to the project:
To reflect on the project – it was an amazing journey that made me feel like I am part of something important. I’m so lucky to be part of the project and, most importantly – lucky to have met Stewart, Chris, Joanne, James, Mike, Lee, Ann, Ivy and everyone else involved. They inspired me and gave me more confidence and I sure feel like I gained more than ever expected. It was a pleasure to document everything along the way.
Not really knowing how to start this blog post … so I am just going to welcome you and say “HAPPY BANK HOLIDAY”!
Firstly, the decision to write a periodical culture reviews in Hull was a big mistake. Four months have passed very quickly and despite having a very mellow involvement with culture and the city, a lot has happened.
2019 started with a positive outlook on upcoming life and work events and I really didn’t want to skip the commitment to the city and its culture/arts scene. I gave myself a relaxed task to share periodical cultural experiences, making it less of a chore.
And here I am – slightly regretful, unsure and of course still happy to have an archive of four months worth of culture.
To be able to deliver this, I really need to travel back in time.
From what I remember – it was a simple, minimalist experience that didn’t really had a wow factor. But I appreciated the tones, simplicity and shapes.
The thing about Hull, camera and me is that in my head I have various visions of specific locations and potential images. So I sometimes plan a random journey, hoping to discover something unseen or not photographed previously.
The next selection is one of those. I wanted to travel down to one of my favourite streets in Hull Boulevard for the mural that has been there for a while.
Moments before I drove past Hull Marina and recorded the beautiful morning light – this pretty much sums up my January.
February ’19
February was a busy month and I remember being surprised by the workload.
Most of my culture consisted of work duties and getting ready for an Artist Takeover #4 exhibition in at Queens House Showcase
Full insight here: ARTIST TAKEOVER #4 @QUEENS HOUSE SHOWCASE
During the exhibition I held various activities – photo booth, talk about my HOME GLORY series and COME AS YOU ARE photo project.
Free photo booth was a lovely way how to invite people into the gallery and do what I do best – take a photograph.
The talk about my HOME GLORY series was a an interesting experience to have – it turned out to be an intimate talk with small group of people about my heritage, photographic journey and stories I am trying to tell. I didn’t need crowds to feel the support and I am thankful to those who came.
COME AS YOU ARE was a thing I wanted to do for a while and I was lucky to get a small platform where to test out the idea.
I asked a question to people – what do you carry with you every day and what role does that “thing” play in your life. It all came from the question of why I photograph Latvia and the mundane everyday whilst I am there, family and country.
Again – the attendance was mild, but I felt very lucky to see the people who came. Quality over quantity.
This year I missed the deadline to apply, but it happened for a reason. I didn’t feel like there was anything to exhibit and previous year proved that if you don’t feel it in your gut, don’t submit.
However, to visit the exhibition was a pleasure.
The Knife Angel left me slightly speechless and amazed. The travelling National Monument against Violence and Aggression gathered people from all over the region and in a way united us once more. It felt like short period of time, but it definitely left a mark in 2019.
March ’19
By mid March my life was starting to take a bitter turn and my health got in the way of everything. There was a fantastic opportunity to photograph the last Heads Up Festival, Creative ENRG came to a closure and I was part of the Creative Juice event at C4DI.
Plus I went to a very random gig at Union Mashup and stumbled across an exhibition by Lauren Saunders, Rebbeca Addinell and Sinitta Beadle at Hull Central Library.
Creative Juice @C4DI was a farewell event to the amazing journey we all had with Creative ENRG – there was a book launch, great food and very interesting programme all thanks to brilliant event organisation by Eskimosoup
Being at the event reminded me of the friendships made and the amazing photo opportunities I created for myself by getting involved with the Creative ENRG
Heads Up Festival 2019 was so special this year, it was my third and probably the last as it was announced to take a break for a bit.
The exhibition space at the library is very well lit and clean from distractions. And the work suited the space well [or the other way round]. I am pleased that Lauren Saunders is getting out there and pursuing her goals.
Make Noise Birthday Bash @Union Mash Up was a very random visit thanks to my friend Oliver. Make Noise Collective describe themselves as “Hull gal collective, working to improve safety at gigs and visibility for women in the local scene”
One girl really did stand out – Jodie Langford with her spoken word performances. The ultimate highlight of the night.
April ’19
April brought Bankside Gallery event at the Preston Road derelict housing estate, Alec Gill’s Hessle Roaders at Hull Truck and new art space in Hull – Prospect Gallery [it is very new and at the moment the gallery don’t have any online presence].
Bankside Gallery was a pleasure to visit despite the weather and my moody mood. A lot of new works created in a very unique gallery.
Hessle Roaders by Alec Gill has been an ongoing journey for many people in past year or so and Alec has made sure that his work don’t just sit in the shelves in folders hidden away. Hull Truck hosted another extension to the work and I as promised to Alec I went to see it.
I first heard of Prospect Gallery was at the Queens House Showcase at one of the events. It was mentioned and it soon became the place to visit in my [imaginary] list.
I also got an amazing offer to have my portrait drawn and I agreed. Since then it happened twice and it as an experience to experience. It is a strange task to sit and find a point of interest that becomes your world for an hour or so. And the end result gives you a sight that you never see yourself.
The space has got a lot of potential and it could become one of the hot spots to visit in Hull.
CUT is a a residency project exploring themes of social expression and the acts of self-care centred around their practice of hairdressing. The project takes form of a sculptural installation and events programme where haircuts and client interviews are gathered to create sound and sculptural artworks.
There was more adventures and exciting work things throughout the four months, but I think I have covered the highlights. And learned a lesson to be more consistent. And discovered that Hull is still breathing culture.
Same time this week I was rushing around and getting ready for the opening night for the fourth Artist Takeover at Queens House Showcase run by ENRG Hull.
It clearly has been a challenging experience, since it has taken me a full week to man up and write the blog post about the exhibition and opening night.
Over the past year I’ve been building a bond with Creative ENRG Hull. family. It started as few artist workshop photography assignments, ENRG Hull ambassador filming with Fly girl Films and being interviewed myself for few times as one of the people who had help setting up a creative business.
Over several months in 2018 Queens House Showcase featured in my monthly blogs of culture wonders in Hull with exhibitions and other ARTIST TAKEOVERS.
It was a slow but steady friendship and as the result I was asked to be part of the last ARTIST TAKEOVER of the programme.
We were asked to exhibit work around Landscape and from that point on the whole experience took a twist that I was not exactly ready for.
I am known for certain work – Hull based, bright, happy, celebratory and creative events, festivals, client work and so on.. and to show to a very public eye a slice HOME GLORY series felt strange. Even today when it has been a week and I am already planning activities throughout exhibition it feels out of the character.
There was uncertainty of how people will embrace the work I’m exhibiting and the story I am trying to tell.
The work exhibited focuses on Latvia in the 21st Century and the derelict landscape across the countryside due to migration to cities and abroad. I say “focuses” because I found that the landscape my eye can catch is different to a standard scenery landscape.
Every time I visit Latvia, especially past three years, I feel the urge to bring my professional gear and eye and capture the home land. It varies from silly set ups, to portraits with photogenic friends, to travels and explorations, often focus is close to my family members and family home/land. It is a another dimension of thought process that I don’t often get chance to use in the UK and the imagery has got special place in my photographic collection.
The exhibition includes five photographs and installation that aims to engage on more than one level with the viewers. The installation includes a special diary that my sister wrote me whilst living in one of the remote regions of Latvia and a newspaper article from 1992 that my grandmother passed on to me few years ago.
The other two artists exhibiting are Nigel Walker and Pierino Hristov.
Photographer Nigel Walker lives in East Yorkshire and has been making photographs for over fifty years. Most recently he has been concerned with why he takes them and how they are used. He supports the postulation that meaningful photography should comprise of geography, autobiography and metaphor.For Artist Takeover #4 he presents a new body of work, ‘Say Something’, which considers the distance between current generations and seeks to encourage a reconciliation through communication. The East Coast signals a border and semaphore a way of telling – a concept, an idea and a cipher as much as a means. At 17 years old, the model, Olivia, is on the cusp of moving into the responsibilities of adulthood. How will she choose to make her world and negotiate with others who have made it? How will she and her generation change it, preserve it and mould it for themselves? This collection of works explores this challenge …Nigel will be in the gallery on Wednesday 13th February, join us for refreshments and cake & chat to Nigel about his work. He’ll also be giving an in depth talk about ‘Say Something’ and other projects at 6 pm on Wednesday 20th February – see you there!
A Bulgarian artist now resident in Hull, Pierino uses a vibrant palette to combine traditional and contemporary motifs in celebration of enduring heritages and landscapes. Using digital approaches and inspired by the flower filled terrains of northern Bulgaria, his complex arrangements of florals, colours and patterns echo shared traditions of quilting & stitching. Producing a fresh and contemporary fusion of familiar forms, his carefully constructed arrangements reflect the changing seasons and their moods. Influenced by David Hockney’s digital palettes, works are conceived to bring joyful and uplifting affects into everyday experience.
Source: ENRG website
Before I am getting into the opening night, I want to say massive thank you to Christoper Hopkins and Gill Hobson. Both pushed me to dive deep and helped to make the most of the opportunity.
Massive shout out to Ditto 4 Design Printing – they are the best printing company I worked with across the board. They saved my day twice and the delivery of images was super quick.
On the day of the opening I was still finishing up the display that involved searching for rubble, polishing up the artwork and figuring out what to expect.
With no major expectations and excitement to meet the other two artist the night began on a really positive note.
It made me very happy to see faces of John Gilbert, Oliver Fisher+familiar faces. Thank you to previous artists exhibiting Emma Garness and Lucy Kelly. Thank you for coming and making me feel happy.
In the following weeks I will be present at the gallery come and say hello!
22nd February – THAT FRIDAY FEELING – free photo booth and chat with me
28th February – HOME GLORY in conversation with me
7th March – FREE PHOTO BOOTH AND WE WILL BE DOING A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT OR SEARCH FOR YOUR TOUCHSTONES AND TALISMANS – I invite all my friends and family to come along and take part!
14th March – last day of the exhibition – come in, say hello and tell us what you thought of the exhibition.
Also if you would like to read my contribution to the Creative ENRG and ENRG Hull project, click here:
ANETE SOODA PHOTO 