I’m a young photographer and as part of my recent work with Creative Barking and Dagenham’s Neighbourhood Commission in the Heath Park estate I’ve had the great chance to meet and collaborate with the artist IMPREINT. I feel glad to have had this opportunity and that he has decided to bring his global project ‘Portraits‘ to this disadvantaged area where I have grown up.
Once the car manufacturing hub of London, Dagenham has become an area characterised by high levels of poverty and immigration but this is what gives it its character: a spirit of defiance and a battle for survival. Dagenham also been identified as an area of low arts participation leading to the creation of charities and various projects to help improve this.
‘Portraits’ was launched December 2013 and has been shared worldwide linking people with a simple but powerful picture of a balloon. I found this project inspiring because the commonality of the balloon linked local residents with people all over the world with a simple object. Portraits allowed us to show a connection between a small council estate in London and worldwide locations such as Syria. Art is the best way of bringing people together no matter how far apart they are.
Thanks to this incredible meeting, I’ve decided to launch my blog as a photographer where I will soon be releasing images of my project on the Heath Park.
During the exhibition in Dagenham the artist generously offer me the chance to take some pictures of portraits and I feel honoured to be part of this worldwide group. Portraits allowed me to shoot some really captivating subjects whom each displayed a unique character when posed for the shot.
The meaning of the project was participation, so personally I’ll publish the picture of everyone I shot for respect, except those that they themselves have posted to the page.
These are lovely portraits. I can see why you were chosen to work with IMPREINT. Looking forward to following your work.
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Thank you Johanna!
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Just seeing the word ‘Dagenham’, brought childhood memories flooding back. My grandparents lived in School Road, and my sister and I used to visit them for summer holidays. I remember the nearby park, the Lido, and the market in the main shopping street, where we used to go with our Nan. My uncle used to work for the Ford factory, and I still have family in the area, one of whom is the pastor of a large church. Love your portraits here.
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These portraits , so mesmerizing ! Thank you for your kind introduction …I am grateful and will follow your awe inspiring journey ! Blessings and love , megxxx
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That’s great.
Thank you to follow my blog. Hope you enjoy it 🙂
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Well done! And best wishes for your “mission” and good results on your own blog, which I am looking forward to following. 🙂
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Nice pictures of the local community! Would like to see more works!
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Balloons, a good choice. They make you smile
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Thank you for choosing to follow my humble blog! I will enjoy following yours. Would love to get back to London some day. I like the choice of balloons too. Best of luck with the project!
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Reblogged this on wwwpalfitness.
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Thanks fror following.I like the amazing portraits on this blog.
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Love these photos!
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I love what you did here
As always Sheldon
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Your portraits are great and love number three of the elderly lady with the blue balloon the most.
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Great photos, great project! Thanks for the visit and follow 🙂
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I like Your write up, Your photographs and Your site, my Dear Sam! Kudos! Keep up the good work. Regards. 🙂
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Reblogged this on KCJones.
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I love these portraits:) bravo!
Really nice to meet You.
Sherazade
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What an interesting project!Looking forward to more.
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This is so fantastic. Art should be a right, a natural human impulse, not a luxury that many can’t afford. You’re doing awesome work. Keep it up!
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I love all these photos! All very unique:)
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A great set of environmental portraits.
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Very nice! Thanks for the follow, otherwise I wouldn’t have known about your well-meaning mission. I look forward to following your progress.
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Your work is provocative and mesmerizing! Wonderful. I stopped by to thank you for following me. Now I plan on wandering through your work.
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Good old Dagenham. That takes me back to the time when I still lived in London, and avoided Dagenham at all cost! The portraits look great, Sam, and will be a valuable historical resource for this ever-evolving part of east London/Essex.
Thanks for following my blog, by the way.
Best wishes from Norfolk. Pete.
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Lovely portraits! Thank you for the follow over my blog!- Your work is important and fun, so, the best of luck!
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Very beautiful photos !
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A wonderful idea for a blog and beautifully done. I’ll definitely be back for another look. Take care now.
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