Untold Stories

Bradford's Trapezium Gallery is pleased to present Untold Stories, a documentary photography exhibition, which features the work of Bradford photographers: Caro Blount-Shah, Bev Clough, Ann Driver, Abraham Emajero, Lauren Kelly, Mark Lunn and Cath Muldowney.

Pauline Cooke of Trapezium Gallery says "We wanted an exhibition which highlighted themes the photographers were particularly interested in; either as a way of raising social awareness or just displaying aspects of life which are unusual or important. The work on show is individual to each photographer, but it forms a cohesive and exciting exhibition."

Each photographer was invited to produce a series of photographic images on a particular theme in their own style.

Abraham Emajero has chosen to create a photographic essay celebrating some of Bradford's key historical public houses past and present, spotlighting their wonderful architecture and visual character. But he also draws attention to the dwindling loss of some of these remarkable city centre watering holes, which are declining at an alarming rate and having a transformational impact on the communities they served.

Caro Blount-Shah's theme looks at things lost or left behind in the Bradford landscape, either deliberately or inadvertently.  She photographs these found objects from dumps and skips which end up in public spaces in and around the city.  She also acknowledges some of the people and community groups whose aim is to clear up and improve these public spaces for people and wildlife.

Ann Driver, too, documents the debris she encounters on her regular runs through Bradford streets and parks. She says: “The aim of my work is to highlight this modern epidemic and remind us all about how important it is to have a pleasant environment to live in”.

Cath Muldowney’s on-going project, ‘If I can dream’ explores and celebrates the enduring popularity of Elvis Presley in the UK, including the phenomenon of the Elvis Tribute Artist. Following Elvis impersonator contests in Blackpool, Cath says: “Forty six years on from Elvis’ death they are going from strength to strength, with a new generation of young tribute artists now playing to fans who weren’t even born when Elvis was alive.”

Closer to home, Mark Lunn looks at the local band Harsh Words and explores how what you see when you look at a band, is dependent on your point of view and when you view them.

Both on a clothing theme, Lauren Kelly explores the phenomena of 'vintage' clothing, recycled fashion and second hand shopping.  She touches on themes of sustainability, fast fashion, thrifting and the 'vintage' aesthetic which is becoming more and more trendy for young people.

In contrast Bev Clough documents the basic chore of washing clothes across cultures around the world, marking the interconnectedness of human actions and their impact on the world. She says: “I aim to encourage the viewer to reflect on the choices we make and the responsibility we bear in ensuring the well-being of both humanity and the planet.”

Untold Stories is at Trapezium Gallery on Kirkgate in Bradford city centre, opposite McDonald's, from Saturday 5th August until Saturday 26^th August 2023.  Opening times are Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 11am – 3pm.  There will be refreshments and a chance to meet the artists at the launch event on Saturday 5th August 12-2pm.

For more information see https://trapeziumarts.com/ or contact: art@trapeziumarts.com