Asiya Hussain

It can be said that Beyond the Border captures the essence of Scotland and displaying the use of Scottish documentary photography in all its glory. Viewing the works of the four Scottish photographers: Sophie Gerrard, Stephen McLaren, Colin McPherson and Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert, is quite captivating as they provide a different perspective towards Scotland, they share their image of what the country means to them as an individual. The exhibition features a variation of photographs from each photographer, each one being unique and meaningful in representing Scotland. From a personal viewpoint, I feel that these photographs provide a distinctive outlook towards life in Scotland, capturing people at their most natural state and also being able to capture the beauty of the countryside. The use of documentary photography in the exhibition also helps to highlight the image and message of Scotland being independent, not being assimilated within United Kingdom and in retaining their own identity. In further understanding the roots and significance of Scottish documentary photography, I had the opportunity to attend the Impressions Gallery’s event of Feed Your Mind which took place on 17th July. The event was lead by Brian Liddy, the Associate Curator from the National Media Museum...

Beyond the Border explores the different perspectives of Scotland from four Scottish photographers, bringing them together to portray the uniqueness of Scotland. For those of you who have seen the exhibition, you may be thinking, “What inspired these photographers and how are they all connected within Beyond the Border ?” Well, in further providing the public with some interesting information which will stimulate your mind about the exhibition Beyond the Border , Impressions Gallery held a talk on the 26th July which provided an insight towards the personal and historical meaning of the exhibition. The talk was lead by the photographers who collaborated in making the exhibition; Sophie Gerrard, Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert and Colin McPherson. Unfortunately, the photographer Stephen McLaren, who worked on the piece American Always, Scottish Forever was unable to attend the talk but Anne McNeill was able to provide some input towards his piece in explaining what it means. It was amazing to attend this talk as I gained an understanding of how each photographer has a different yet similar outlook towards Scotland and how each piece is distinctly unique to the other, despite their clear linkage in being based in Scotland. Even though it was an...

Right now, the number one thing on my 'To do' list is to get as much experience as I can in the professional world and I achieve that goal partially by volunteering at the Peace Museum in Bradford. Work experience aside, the Peace Museum is a great place to visit in learning about different peace movements which occurred worldwide as well as in Bradford itself. You learn about so many new things when visiting and working with the team. For example, did you know that there is a purple poppy to remember the animals that died in war? I had no idea! And I definitely need one! There are animals such as dolphins, rats and dogs for example, which are used in seeking out hidden bombs. Now the dog, I knew they use them but the rats and dolphins, I found that a bit hard to believe. But there were photos provided by the Peace Museum of soldiers using dolphins to detect mines in the ocean and rats in detecting hidden mines and bombs. I definitely learned something new on that day. But the only downfall is that many people within Bradford and those who are also visiting the...

The exhibition of 'Hunters' by David Chancellor definitely makes you think about the way in which the hunting industry is represented, but it also makes you think about how you, as an individual feels about hunting. I feel that when looking at this exhibition, the recipient will either feel a great hatred towards hunting due to the images of the deceased animals, an understanding towards the functions and benefits of hunting or to view the exhibition with an understanding that this is what hunting is, to some extent. From a personal viewpoint, I strongly detest hunting as it is unnecessary killing which is not needed. When looking at the exhibition for the first time, I have to admit that it did make me feel slightly uncomfortable due to the images of such majestic creatures being killed and skinned, then to be later placed within a living room or placed on a mantle as a mere trophy. But when looking at the exhibition more closely, it becomes evident that the photographer is neither attempting to glorify the hunting industry or portraying the message of how horrible hunting is. Even though some of the photographs may be upsetting for the animal...