Far From Bound- Brick Lane Gallery

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Far from ‘Bound’
 
I stood talking to Anthony David King (Photographer) at the preview night of ‘Photography Now’ at The Brick Lane Gallery. As I listened to his replies to my questions, I could not help but watch as his subject worked the room. Her Smile beaming up as she sat in her wheelchair, making sure that she greeted her guest and thanked visitors for their comments.
 
 
Anthony’s pieces that are on preview until 24th February centre around Samona Naomi Williams, a young vibrant film director. Her energy fills the room on this particular night, but not every day is as glamorous as this. In 2009 she was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome III, a rare connective tissue disorder. Her symptoms include severe pain, excessive weakness and organ dysfunction. There is no known cure for this debilitating condition and symptoms are managed with a concoction of medication. The condition is known to worsen over time.
What intrigued me was how they worked with this condition. Not knowing how Samona will be feeling or how long she can work for  each day, how did they manage to produce ‘Bound’ and how did they come up with the ideas for each picture?
“This project has taken longer than originally thought, having known Samona since teenage years; it’s as much a journey for me as well as her. She’s a great friend and with that in mind my priority is her health, so if arrived and everything is ready to shoot; the moment she feels unwell we stop.”  Since falling ill, she struggles with simple everyday tasks such as taking a shower or making a cup of tea. She is confined to a wheelchair when she goes out due to weakness, dizziness, a heart condition and pain when she walks.
There is a lot of planning and we talk almost every day so I know how she’s  feeling  and if she will endure a shoot. The themes for each photo comes from our talks and hearing what her body is going through, what she is thinking and with the photo ‘Gold’ how she is seen (or how I see her). It’s a collection that documents her moods over the period of this illness.
Walking around I hear a few interpretations about the pieces:  ‘Gold’, ‘Fragile’ and ‘Bed’. One couple first looked on and took some of the pieces for face value, then the read the description beside each one and their perspective change.  Without a doubt the subject is stunning, but what this collection shows is how extraordinary you can be. What you can do when you believe that nothing can hold you back.  A perfect example was the Paralympics last summer.
Now take a look and follow the path of this artist and his model or maybe we could call her an athlete for Ms Williams possesses the qualities of one.  Strength, agility and endurance.
As I stand and watch her across the room, I see her as a super woman.
 
 
The Brick lane Gallery The Annexe
93-95 Sclater St,
E16HR
Until 24th Feb 2013 : Other photographers included.

FREE ADMISSION

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