Tom Pope

Tom Pope was part of the international Photographers in Residence in 2015 as part of the Archisle Project. This brings international photographers to Jersey to work and exhibit their photography,  awarding a bursary of £10,000 for an exhibition into to the culture of the Jersey which these works enter the Archisle Collection at the Société Jersiaise  Archive for the future public.

Pope was born in Bristol, in 1986.  Tom Pope studied Photography at Swansea Metropolitan University and received his Masters in Photography from the Royal College of Art in 2011. His works are presented around in the National Museum of Wales and National Portrait Gallery.

His artistic practice is  based within performed photograph where Pope’s playful and whimsical approach develops situations using performed gestures of social interaction. Within these settings the public become entwined with the act of taking photographs as a social event where spontaneity and chance are encouraged.  Pope’s work isn’t purposed for a community but essentially creates a sense of community through the act of making art through  improvised events and social intervention.

This photograph I chose responding to the issue of enviornment, because to me it shows quite a strange but yet personnel relationship with the girl and her environment.  Firstly, the diagonal line s created by the shadows and floor tiles, suggests that the environment isn’t necessarily that stable a place.  Interestingly, the girl appears to be clinging on as if sort of her life appears to be at risk of some sort.  This therefore suggests that the girl’s environment isn’t normal, and she is trying to make it as normal as possible.  This is emphasised by the colour of the girls clothes which is black, and her body composure, refusing to show us, suggesting there are particular complicated emotional ties associated.  This is reflected by the fact that the environment appears quite hostile and unwelcoming, for example – the fact she is sort of showing so much affection towards something so lifeless, and also the sharpened bold shadows that are displayed almost appear quite hostile.  Essentially I like this photograph because it shows the complicated relationship one can have with the external environment in which it lives within.

Michelle Sank

Michelle Sank was born in Cape Town, South Africa. Leaving there in 1978, she has been living in England since 1987. Her images reflect a preoccupation with the human condition and style, and anything else that encompasses this.  Therefore this can be viewed as a sort of documentary, encompassing issues around social and cultural diversity.

I like this photograph because for me, it strongly represents the idea of family quite strongly.  I have personally known this pair of twins in the past, and I have come to know the similarities and differences that perfectly portray the idea of family.  For example, in terms of appearance they may be very similar through looks and style.  However the differences encompassing these two are arguably what brings them together.  I particularly like how the composition presents the idea of a strong bond between the two.  For example, the lighting isn’t too harsh but warm, and that reflects the atmosphere and feelings of each other.  Furthermore I like how the background, not necessarily the most beautiful beach and buildings shows how their sister relationship, may not always be perfect, but it is what it is, and so through the fact how each other appears comfortable, this shows their relationship is special to them.