I had never heard of this until a few weeks ago when my tutor introduced us to the annual event.
I didn’t really have any expectations because of this so on the saturday I travelled to the Jubilee library with an open mind and a blanknotepad.
A selection of photo zines and books by different photographers greeted me on two tables. I decided to take a peek and see what it was all about.
Such a mixture of topics some hard hitting, others quite light hearted.
A book based on someones experience of Mexico and how based on a conversation he had how “your photographs could be used by drug dealers” .
A book on creating a perfect home, living space, world. A utopia. A microtopia.
Mexico again but this time a book about Casa X. A refuge centre for prostitutes aged between 50 and 90.
The variety of this art really was compelling. Being able to see into another world whether that be homelessness, autism or purity balls in one case. These insights expressed through pictures and little captions really did allow me to learn about things I never considered.
I moved on to the Brighton museum and art gallery where an exhibition on Aldo Moro and extremism in 1970s Italy awaited.
After walking around for 10 minutes I was eager to know more about his assassination and how glamourous celebrities were ignorant to what was happening on the bloodied streets.
Domestic terrorism, kidnappings and bombings. Italy’s history. Something I wasn’t expecting at this years BPB however it was refreshing and insightful.
“The photographs reveal only fragments of evidence about this most turbulent and tangled decade , while the true puppet-masters and string pullers remain tantalisingly out of frame.”
Let history be judge. How photography can capture moments that many people want to forget but should not. It captures memories but not feelings, and adventures through time.
The BPB definitely surprised me and all I can say is go next year and see what you are faced with.
Brighton photo biennial runs from 4th October until the 2nd november.
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