★★★★☆
An intimate collection of Britain’s best photographers nestled in the National Portrait Gallery.
Wondering around the small exhibition of the Taylor Wessing Photography gallery, I watch the other guests as they all get mesmerised by different photographs. Whilst I visit museums and galleries for the art and photography, I often find myself watching people. In the quietness of this gallery, everyone is being drawn in to different photographs.
I found myself smiling back at Ncuti Gatwa as his bright smile took up his portrait. Despite his hands clutched and moving to cover his face, he feels bright and open. He has had one of the most successful years in his career, a final season of hit show ‘Sex Education’, a role in the highest grossing movie ‘Barbie’, a role in a new Apple movie ‘Masters of the Air’ and taken on the huge role of ‘The Doctor’ in ‘Doctor Who’. His portrait shows his calmness but still a bright elation as he moves forward in his career.
Another photo that made me stop and observe for a while was this of a young matador Novillero. After reading its description, stating that this young man is photographed whilst debating his future in the Spainish tradition of bullfighting and battling with his own masculinity. Instantly, I was taken by this emotive photograph. The photographs within the photograph of his family, further reinforce the claustrophobic pressure he is facing. They are literally on his shoulders forcing the image in, on the young man. He isn’t taking up space, but instead, he is being pushed into the centre. This is almost like being pushed into the centre of the bullring itself.
This photograph, whilst simple, really stood out to me. It is a photo of Enda Bowe’s brother, watching the football at home in his front room. He said that after his father died, he realised how infrequently he photographed his family. The way it has been taken reminds me of many photographs I have, boxed up, of my Grandad’s when he passed. My family, a group of football fanatics, have been in this exact position hundreds of times watching games.
It reminded me of my family and that I don’t take enough photographs of them. Despite its simplicity, it will mean so much when Dara has passed to Enda and his family. Those are the best kind of photographs.
I felt a gentle and quiet atmosphere in the small exhibition, allowing people to become absorbed in the work. It was a beautiful collection, highlighting love and human connection. After years of separation due to global pandemics, political turmoil and wars, it was a perfect intimate experience.