19 March - 13 April 2014


Preview: Tuesday 18 March 7:30 - 9:30pm

Alara Bailey


Looking In

Looking In - artist’s statement


This series of images explores the idea of habits in people’s lives. From one of my own habits, I explore the idea of looking into houses with the intent to admire them or to see if there is anything inside, as I have been told that it is weird. However, after starting this project many people have admitted they do the same, but do not tell others.

This project carefully considered (and tested) the ethics of photographing private spaces. It might be considered intrusive, but all the images were taken legally on the street.

The project also dealt with practical difficulties: physical barriers (netting, frosted glass or distorting glass), my own reflection (I didn’t want to be a key feature in the images) and, above all, getting the right distance from the window without cars or objects obstructing the view.

Ultimately, the resulting images are more inviting and aesthetically intriguing than intrusive, drawing us closer to look into the windows.  

When two members of our selection panel visited the Anglia Ruskin School of Art’s degree show in the summer of 2013, they spotted Alara’s work.

After tracking her down to her new home in London (thanks to staff at the School), we offered Alara a solo exhibition at Williams Art’s Gwydir Street gallery space.

Commuters - artist’s statement


Like many people I am a frequent user of public transport, whether it be travelling to work, visiting friends or heading home. Many people use this time to catch up on work, read or even sleep. It appears that each of us go into our own little universe during this time and make ourselves as comfortable as possible resulting in very little awareness of what is happening around us. As most people use this time to catch up on various things the opportunity arose to capture these moments. These moments show people at their most unaware and as a result arguably their most exposed. I have captured the moment in its most natural form by not gaining consent to capture each photograph. It is debatable as to what effect awareness would have upon the photos as it may result in the individuals acting differently.

This project is one that in my opinion has no end. As travelling is always required by the masses there will always be an opportunity to capture people in their most exposed state in public.  

About the artist

Alara’s love of photography started at LaSwap sixth form in London, where she studied both digital and analogue photography. Following on from this she decided to carry on her studies at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge School of Art, where she recently graduated with a BA (Hons) Photography.  Through her time at the university she developed a surreptitious style which is reflected in both Looking In and Commuters

With the ability to use both digital and analogue cameras, she favours the darkroom and working with film rather than digital. All the photographs in this exhibition were taken using a film camera with either black and white or colour film.

BUYING PRINTS

All of the works are available in a limited edition of 12 prints supplied either unframed and unmounted or as displayed, mounted onto exhibition-grade Fomex.

The prints are taken directly from the original negatives. 


Looking In (windows)

Prints are 72 x 50cm

Unmounted prints: £80 each

Mounted prints:£185 each


Commuters

Prints are 50 x 36cm

Unmounted prints: £60 each

Mounted prints:£145 each


Free delivery within Cambridge.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, but we cannot take cheques.


Special size prints are available to order: please contact the gallery for a quote.


Below is a selection of works, all of which are available to purchase.