Opening this weekend on Saturday 17th June at Firstsite, Colchester (private view tonight from 6-9pm!) is Ed Gold: Other Worlds, a compelling presentation of 100 photographs by the social documentary photographer taken over the past 30 years during his time spent living in various isolated communities across the globe. There are five bodies of work by Ed being shown in the retrospective: Patagonia, Country Folk (Essex, Wales & Scotland), Afghanistan Bed Spaces, Positive Futures and Nowitna and each series is an in-depth look at what it really is like to be a part of those communities.
M’Hula Crew, Country Folk, 1999, Digital print, Dimensions variable
Afghanistan Bed Spaces for example was taken between 2010-2011 when Gold lived amongst the soldiers of the Second Battalion Parachute Regiment (2 Para), both at their base in Colchester and on operational duty in Afghanistan. During this time, the photographer wore a uniform and integrated fully with the troops, the only difference being he carried his camera as opposed to a weapon.
Afghan National Army soldier, Checkpoint Milat, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, 2011, Digital print, Dimensions variable
The Nowitna series on the other hand records Gold’s experience living in Alaska’s Arctic region where he has resided intermittently for more than eight years since 2009. Earlier this year he spent three weeks with the Atchley family, who live in one of the remotest parts of the state. During his time with the the family of three, Gold kept a detailed diary (90,000 words!) and along with the images themselves, these writings will also be on view at Firstsite.
David and Sky Atchley, Nowitna, 2017, Digital print, Dimensions variable
The written word is in fact a key component of Gold’s photographic practice and offers a further narrative and a deeper, more intimate engagement with the subjects than the images alone could possibly provide.
Ed Gold: Other Worlds is sure to take its viewers on an adventure, leaving them with a new perspective on our world.
Corrie Locke, Country Folk, 1992, Digital print, Dimensions variable
Ed Gold: Other Worlds will be on view from 17 June – 17 September at Firstsite, Colchester; Lewis Gardens, High Street Colchester, CO1 1JH; Open daily from 10am-5pm; Admission: FREE
Fore more information: http://www.firstsite.uk
All images Copyright Ed Gold.
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