Open Category: Photojournalism / Story (AMATEUR) - HONORABLE MENTION
Under the Big Top
Photo © Chris Kirby
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The dimly-lit ‘backstage’ areas of the traditional “Big Top “circus tent is an enthralling, captivating, adrenalin fuelled environment where performers warm-up, practice, psych-up, chill-out, get changed, enjoy banter and post performance ‘rushes’ of joy and personal satisfaction.
For several years, as part of documenting the challenges facing the traditional British circus after wild animal acts were banned, I’ve 'hung-out" in these areas attempting to capture this unique environment and atmosphere.
He was admitted to Kingston College of Art and Design (UK) and later obtained a diploma in journalism from the British College of Journalism. He specialises in the areas of African realities and other social context including: culture and identity, beliefs and religion, socio-economic issues, marginalised communities and aspects of daily life.
Born in London, of South African extraction, Chris first visited East and Southern Africa in the 1960s, later living and working there. A chance visit to the township of Soweto in South Africa during the troubled years of apartheid made a lasting impression on him, and post free democratic elections made the first of many visits there, living and working in the township.
Chris works mostly in the urban environments of Africa and steers clear of the stereotype imagery so often associated with the continent. He relates to urban and modern Africa (and African diaspora) – its fashion, style, music, street culture, attitude.
In his work, Chris often embellishes his images with lines, marks and colouring to disrupt the conventional perspective associated with the medium and the subject matter – and in a nuanced way convey deeper meaning to the imagery.
Chris’s photography has been exhibited in the UK, Europe and USA, has featured in numerous print and online publications, and has won recognition in international awards. He lives in Norfolk, England.
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The dimly-lit ‘backstage’ areas of the traditional “Big Top “circus tent is an enthralling, captivating, adrenalin fuelled environment where performers warm-up, practice, psych-up, chill-out, get changed, enjoy banter and post performance ‘rushes’ of joy and personal satisfaction.
For several years, as part of documenting the challenges facing the traditional British circus after wild animal acts were banned, I’ve 'hung-out" in these areas attempting to capture this unique environment and atmosphere.
About author:
Chris Kirby is a photographer and visual artist. His photographic practice encompasses documentary and fine art. His work draws from his fascination with the continent of Africa and its people.He was admitted to Kingston College of Art and Design (UK) and later obtained a diploma in journalism from the British College of Journalism. He specialises in the areas of African realities and other social context including: culture and identity, beliefs and religion, socio-economic issues, marginalised communities and aspects of daily life.
Born in London, of South African extraction, Chris first visited East and Southern Africa in the 1960s, later living and working there. A chance visit to the township of Soweto in South Africa during the troubled years of apartheid made a lasting impression on him, and post free democratic elections made the first of many visits there, living and working in the township.
Chris works mostly in the urban environments of Africa and steers clear of the stereotype imagery so often associated with the continent. He relates to urban and modern Africa (and African diaspora) – its fashion, style, music, street culture, attitude.
In his work, Chris often embellishes his images with lines, marks and colouring to disrupt the conventional perspective associated with the medium and the subject matter – and in a nuanced way convey deeper meaning to the imagery.
Chris’s photography has been exhibited in the UK, Europe and USA, has featured in numerous print and online publications, and has won recognition in international awards. He lives in Norfolk, England.
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