MINIMALIST FASHION

A book on the field recently published and another on it's way in March 2011; says a lot about where fashion thinks it's heading so why do the streets show otherwise?  Work it out.

Less is More:  Minimalism in Fashion by Harriet Walker

Due for publication March 2011, Merrell Publishers

Minimalism and Fashion:  Reduction in the Postmodern Era by Elyssa Dimant

Out now, Collins Design

BRIGHTON PHOTO FRINGE: CLOSER

Stuart Griffiths, exhibiting 'Closer', started photography as a young soldier whilst patrolling west Belfast in the late 80s.  The exhibition, in it's entirety, attempts to question the heroic notion and harsh reality of what it means to enlist to serve ones country, and what remains for veterans at the end of this dangerous and altruistic act.  I say that the question raised is one typical of any soldier.  Having been brought up in rural N.I. these particular images alone meant nothing to me, but what was of interest wasn't the photos, but the collection of the soldiers' letters displayed:  shown alongside the photographs, which act as a catalyst, they allow the thoughts of the soldiers, and more importantly the memories of the Troubles, to become a reality once again.
Until 14th November 2010.

http://www.phoenixarts.org/exhibitions/182-open-2010-closer.html

BRIGHTON PHOTO BIENNIAL #4

BPB CURATED: THE HOUSE OF VERNACULAR

Babies and Children portraits taken during the 70s and 80s by the commercial photographer Lee To Sang.  Curated by Martin Parr.

http://fabrica.org.uk/

BRIGHTON PHOTO BIENNIAL #3

VIVIANE SASSEN

With a reputation as a fashion photographer, it's not a surprise that Sassen started on a body of collaborative portraits which concentrate on more meaningful photography.  Embarking on trips back and forth to Africa since 2001, the above are samples of what's been achieved.

BRIGHTON PHOTO BIENNIAL #2

WOUT BERGER

Dutch photographer Wout Bergers' most recent works were taken in a neighbourhood just outside Amsterdam; a village called Ruigoord which has a longstanding reputation as an artistic oasis.  Through these photos, Berger typically draws on the tension between form and content, real and artificial nature.  The impressionistic qualities within these photos are stunning, displaying a painterly beauty that is rarely seen in the medium, but they also pull in an essence of crispness, only ever seen within printed textiles.  They are photos that inspire print on fabric.

BRIGHTON PHOTO BIENNIAL #1

SUZANNE OPTON

These portraits from the exhibition 'New Ways of Seeing', are of war veterans and soldiers involved in past and current wars.  The head portraits, taken from the iconic project 'Soldier', have been presented as billboards across eight American cities. The project itself has sparked off a lively debate on issues involving art and soldiering.  For more information click on the link.

http://www.SoldiersFace.com/