November 2015

A Structure of Significance.

November 25, 2015

It seems such an unassuming building tucked behind a small parade of shops but, its importance to me is beyond measure. It’s a building that I frequented regularly as a child. It’s the place I had an epiphany that put me on the path I continue to tread today.

I remember the event clearly. Back then the building housed the library. I was sitting on the floor researching a career in journalism. In one of the books I chanced on a chapter about photography. That was it. In that moment, in that building, my future identity as a photographer was set in motion.

Thank you Balsall Common Library!

The significant structure – the building that was the Library.
TanyaAhmedLibraryBC-OLD

The building the library is currently housed in.
TanyaAhmed-LibraryBC-Current

Support your local library. Libraries open up the world.

What brought up this subject? This Siott Gallery Interview

SAVE THE DATE!

November 21, 2015

11x17+invitation_names+expanded_72dpi-2

I have one piece in this show. I’ll be at the opening, let me know if you’ll be going!
Opening : December 3rd (Thursday) 5pm
Runs : December 1st – 12th

ˈfōtō ˈfôrtˌnīt frīdē

November 21, 2015

Beautiful light and the workman just sitting in the warmth. No phone, no food, just being.
Park Avenue / 41st St

TanyaAhmedPershingSq

I’m with Siott Gallery!

November 13, 2015

I am excited to announce that Siott Gallery has taken me on.
AND I am their very first photographer!

When I was planning the exhibition in Reading this past summer I heard of Siott Gallery for the first time when they generously posted information on our exhibition, Reading: A Start & A Return, on their own web and social media sites.

Why did they do that? They didn’t know us, they weren’t going to make any sales from us. Based in Reading themselves, they did it because they love the arts and want to encourage more people to get involved. They also wanted to show support for fellow artists. Who wouldn’t love their ethos – Discover art you love!

I encourage you to look through the artwork on their website. Don’t feel intimidated. If you don’t know much about art why not read through their blog first. The lively articles and interviews with artists will give you a way into understanding the contemporary art scene.

But back to my photography! Rounding out the Newtown trifecta that emerged from this summer (Turbine house, Reading College and now Siott Gallery) it seems perfect that the first series of photographs that Siott gallery will feature is Gated Community. This series was photographed in the same geographical area as the museum, college and gallery. So, if you missed them at the college (although they are still up until Nov 30th if you happen to be nearby) you can see the whole series here. I hope you enjoy them.

Gated Community at Siott Gallery

Why not follow Siott Gallery on your preferred social media platform:
Siott Gallery – website
Siott Gallery – Twitter
Siott Gallery – Facebook
Siott Gallery – Instagram
Siott Gallery – Pinterest
Siott Gallery – Google

Discover Art You Love

60, 30, now!

November 13, 2015

Reading College are hosting my latest series of photographs ‘Gated Community’ until the end of November in the foyer. They held an open evening event at college last night allowing many of you to go to see the photographs and also discover what the college has to offer these days.

I would like to give a big thanks to the fantastic team at Reading College, with a particularly enthusiastic cheer for Dot and Keith. Also I’d like to give a shout out to anyone that went to the college (in all its forms) over the last 60 years. Did you know that there is an alumni association? Why not get involved. Reconnect with the college of the past and become involved again today. Here is the link that will give you an opportunity to tell your story and connect with other alumni.

ALUMNI LINK

Thanks to all those who took the time to visit the college yesterday. Here’s a photo taken by Janice Bradley at the event last night for those that couldn’t make it. It you couldn’t make it don’t worry check back tomorrow for more news on Gated Community!

ReadingCollege-photobyJaniceBradley

Reading College is 60… SAVE THE DATE…

November 08, 2015

… they are having an OPEN EVENING on Wednesday November 11th from 5- 7.30pm

The college has undergone a few mergers and name changes since it was opened and visited by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother 60 years ago, but the buildings are still essentially the same as I remember them.

Yes, I went there to become a photographer! I went to Berkshire College of Art and Reading Tech, as Reading College was known then 30 years ago (!). I was back in the neighborhood too this summer with the exhibition Reading: A Start & A Return.

During the exhibition I had the good fortune to meet with Dot, Federica, Jamie and Joycelyn who work at the college. They kindly arranged to host, as part of the 60th anniversary celebration a new (and so far unseen) series of photographs, that I took in the streets behind the college this summer. The photographs have been up since October 23rd but so far only those attending the college, or the celebration event that day, have been able to see them.

That is about to change though. On the evening of Wednesday 11th November from 5 – 7.30pm, the doors of the college will open to the wider community. Everyone will be able to enter the college, find out about their programs, meet their students and faculty and see my newest set of photographs- Gated Community.

I’d like to invite you to take a look.
Reading college, Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4HJ, UK.
Wednesday 11th November 5pm – 7.30pm.

OPEN EVENING LINK (you don’t have to sign up)

60 YEARS LINK

P.S. Why not take your camera and send me a postcard sized image of those very same streets while you are visiting the college- take a flash or torch with you- it’ll be dark! (or go early to take a wander around before the open evening.) You can find the info on my Reading Postcards project HERE (camera or cell phone – everyone welcome to participate regardless of skill level)

The Glasgow Gallery of Photography

November 08, 2015

I am delighted to announce that my photographs of Glasgow in the late 1980s are featured on the website of The Glasgow Gallery of Photography.

‘The Glasgow Gallery of Photography was set up in 2015 by a group of
Glasgow photographers with the plans to create a New Gallery dedicated to
photography in Glasgow… A gallery that is open to everyone who wishes to exhibit
their work.’

Sounds good to me! Why not send them your work? Or help them fund raise. Looking forward to the day when I can see photos on the walls! About time I went back!

GGOP LINK