The latest exhibitions at the Side Gallery are a welcome antidote to some of the rather harrowing work that has been shown of late (particularly the last show of Ivor Prickett’s work: https://markrobinsonocalandscape.photo.blog/2019/10/17/ivor-prickett-end-of-the-caliphate-seeking-shelter-exhibition/). Working in different parts of the world Rena Effendi and Tessa Bunney have both focused on people leading traditional, rural lives that are increasingly under threat from modernity and development. These are no bucolic paradises, for many of these people life is clearly hard and challenging but these are nevertheless very positive portrayals, tapping into the fundamental dignity and decency of these people and their ways of life. The pictures of traditional haymaking particularly struck a chord with me as I done this work myself, cutting hay by hand with a scythe and raking it up into ricks. Very satisfying but really hard work!

It might sound a bit of a weak reaction but these are “nice” pictures, a pleasure to see, full of life (even though death is something that keeps intruding), wit and empathy. This is a show I positively want to go back to see again.

There is a also a third small show documenting a community project in Pennywell in Sunderland, one of the most deprived areas in the country. Members of the community were given cameras which they used to record aspects of their lives. Again what comes across strongly is a sense of humanity and dignity in the way these people, despite their challenges, help and support each other and have a strong sense of community.

http://www.amber-online.com/event/side-gallery/family-food-and-community-the-pennywell-project/

https://www.amber-online.com/event/side-gallery/rena-effendi-waiting-for-winter/

https://www.amber-online.com/event/side-gallery/tessa-bunney-otherwise-unseen/

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