PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“SIDE SHOW” PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION TO OPEN AT WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY
London, United Kingdom, November 18, 2016 – The visually arresting black-and-white images of photographer Pedro Perez are to feature in his new exhibition, Side Show, opening December 20th, at Willesden Green Library.
“This is the ‘stuff’ that happens alongside the main event,” Pedro explains. “Mostly at street level. It’s everyday life. Minor, uncontrived moments. Life’s side show.”
Side Show is a selection of 23 images assembled from the past four years of Pedro taking his Screw Leica cameras onto the street, to seaside resorts, carnivals, protests or even back alleys.
His instinct and fascinations combine with his photographer’s eye to ensure there is always something visually compelling to look at. It could be a moment in time and space that is slightly incongruous, amusing, or even sinister.
These elements resonate particularly because all his images are in black-and-white.
“I come from the age of monochrome,” says Pedro. A self-described Cockney Spaniard, Pedro was born, in the East End, to Spanish parents.
Along with European and American Film Noir, “black and white images, many even from my family’s own photo albums, influence my work,” he explains.
The technical challenge for Pedro, however, is that he takes his pictures using early models – usually from the 1930s – of the iconic Leica camera. Yet he insists on capturing a moment that remains authentic.
“I don’t want my subjects posing, or performing self-consciously, once they see the camera,” he explains. “With an old range-finder, you need to focus on your subject, set your metre readings, and hope that what attracted you doesn’t move. Once all those parameters are confirmed, shoot!”
Pedro’s photography has previously been published in The Leica Society Magazine and has featured in The Leica Society AGM Exhibition.
Side Show opens on December 20th and runs until January 7th, 2017. Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. taking place at The Gallery at Willesden Green Library, 95 High Road, London, NW10 2SF. A Private Viewing is being held on December 21st from 6pm to 9pm.
Notes for editors and contact:
The new £10m Library at Willesden Green in Brent opened in September 2015 and features more than 40,000 books, an art gallery, exhibition area and performance space. Email libraries@brent.gov.uk . Telephone 020 8937 3400.
Pedro Perez has lived in Harlesden/Kensal Green for the past 35 years. For images and comment, please contact Pedro Perez by email pedroperez@ntlworld.com.
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