Exiles Series

Own a Piece of Poetic History: The Exiles Series

"The Exiles" series invites you to acquire more than just a photograph; you are investing in a meticulously crafted visual narrative that bridges past and present, personal history and collective memory. Each print is a portal to the 1960s in my hometown area, a time and place brought to life through rich tales of local folklore, extensive research, and compelling visual inspirations. The inaugural image, a monumental production in 2019 akin to a "single shot movie," laid the groundwork for the series, with subsequent pieces realised in 2022, navigating the challenges of a global lockdown to complete this ambitious vision.

These works are born from a deep reverence for cinematic principles, utilising elaborate, large-scale lighting, detailed set builds, and nuanced cinematic references to create an original photographic series of profound depth. "The Exiles" vividly recreates scenes from the 60s and 70s, a pivotal era when thousands of male economic migrants arrived in Sandwell, a blue-collar region of the Black Country experiencing the twilight of its industrial might. This powerful imagery not only captures the essence of a bygone era but also resonates with universal themes of migration, adaptation, and human resilience.

The heart of "The Exiles" lies in its profound connection to community and lineage. A dedicated team, including many inspired local residents, collaborated to bring this project to fruition, transforming it into a shared voyage into ancestral lines and the experiences of our parents. By engaging contemporary newly arrived migrants as cast members, the series beautifully highlights the cyclical nature of non-natives integrating into local life, echoing history in a poignant, ongoing loop. Owning a print from "The Exiles" means bringing into your home an artwork that is not only visually stunning but also a testament to human connection, historical echoes, and the enduring spirit of a community. The series' title itself is a homage to Kent MacKenzie’s 1961 docu-drama, reflecting on displacement and new beginnings, further enriching the layered narrative you'll bring into your space.