In his photobook Ray's a Laugh, we see a collection of images that document the life of his working class parents. His alcoholic dad is the main protagonist in the series and we are invited into his world in all its glory. I like that Billingham has not produced a sentimental view of his parents and their world like many artists would be inclined to so. Instead we are dragged into the harsh world of life in a council high rise and the devastating social effects of alcohol.
Hi captures the world of restricted horizons where the limitations of Ray's opportunities have a consuming affect on the lives of the family. Their is no self-pity in the series it seems that they as a family have accepted their lot and will fight, swear, argue and drink their days away.
The images are of a snapshot style which makes them very accessible for the viewer even if the content isn't. Gerry Badger in his book The Genius of photography refers to them as a real-life equivalent of the Royle Family. I think that is a very apt comparison. However, unlike the Royle Family this is real life and it is a little disturbing to look at this portrait of modern Britain.
I think what impressed me most about this photobook is the fact that it is a very candid view of the family with little or no emotion of sentiment on behalf of the photographer. This is something I would like to take into my work especially when looking at Hackney and where I come from in Ireland. It is very difficult to leave the sentiment behind and portray what is in front of you when it is so close to you. This is something that Billingham has done exceptionally well.
I also like the snapshot approach. I feel that this is something I would like to explore more in my work perhaps on my forthcoming assignment but also in future projects.
Ray's a Laugh images are being exhibited in the West Midlands and I feel it would be interesting to go if I can.
http://www.thepublic.com/exhibitions/rays-laugh-richard-billingham
No comments:
Post a Comment