By taking the overriding principle of documentary photography the framing of assignment 4 is designed to elevate the structures that symbolize the paradox of unoccupied buildings.. The wider view taken to achieve this encompasses a more significant contextual element and forces more absurdity into the picture.
Conversations with my tutor regarding the addition of a wider perspective are selected to add to the tight perspective of previous assignments, which will generate a more complete selection when selecting the overall body of work.
With the final edit in mind, there is also a consideration for text to anchor the meaning further. I have taken this assignment to apply this dimention to the photography and have chosen eight images to convey the meaning of visual power over homelessness.
No Quarter
The morning vista reveals the stand off between new solid offices being constructed and the unyielding collapsible nylon shelter. The surroundings present the relentless appearance of new projects overtaking the older projects that have long been boarded up, secured from the threat of people seeking shelter. The resemblance of power sits as a marker, watching over the tented inhabitants, fearing encroachment and abiding time to remove from view.
No Stake, No entrance
The heights of Castle Park dominates the surrounding parklands. Unoccupied for decades and unprepared to open its arms to shelter new arrivals. The complex dwarfs the skyline and remains in the hands of developers seeking to change empty offices to a consumers paradise. Thirty years of proposals and thirty years of turning away a community that does not have a stake.
Detached
Unconnected, separated, isolated, unable to shake off the feeling of being disfranchised from the vaults of power. Nothing to offer, no gain, no leverage and therefore no access to the live circuits that determine a ladder to a functional society.
Doorway Sanctuary
Established in 1684 and Nationalised in 1988. Owned by the people. for the people the symbol of Established Power has been removed for thirty years whilst unoccupied. The symbols of power remain, defaced, and projecting a distant hallmark of the establishment. The perception conceals the non physical element that keeps those on the doorway from entering the bank . .
Address Unknown
Tent 2, Castle Park, Adjacent to the bandstand, Bristol. No post code, no boundaries, no known addressee
Keep your possessions close
Security that keeps people out, refrains responsibility to keep people safe. Possessions, unsecured and vulnerable. Unable to safeguard against depredation and robbed of identity, dignity and shelter
Seasonal Adjustment
Castle Park temporarily adjusts to Winter. The signs of Spring will bring warmer conditions to sleep under the stars. The unoccupied complex will have no need to heat the vacant offices to keep the pipes fom freezing. The tress will bloom and cover the empty buildings. Support for those who have nothing fails to trickle down and composts into nest eggs.
Counter Intuitive
The absurdity of a balloon resembling the stocks and shares of the FT hanging from a tree is relatively meaningless, compared to the absurdity of keeping a building vacant for thirty years. The attached Park shelters the homeless, the rough sleepers, the refugees, the disenfranchised, those in psychological need of care, …….the powers that keeps this unrelenting absurdity is a balloon that ceases to burst..
Gerard Hilderly Level 3 OCA 