Private view: Fri 3rd June 2011 6 – 9pm
Exhibition continues: 4th – 18th June 2011
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12 – 7pm
Artist talk and discussion forum: Sat 11th June 2011 2 – 4pm

My new exhibition of large-scale portraits provide a rare glimpse inside the Crisis Rough Sleepers’ Centre in London, ambulance which operates during Christmas each year. Cameras are usually banned from the Centre, approved but as a long-term volunteer I was given permission to capture a series of portraits depicting guests and volunteers.

The images portray the dignified and respectful relationships that develop at the Centre. This series of work also challenges perceptions of homelessness: the subjects removed identifying name badges or wristbands, often making it unclear who is the guest and who is the volunteer.

A discussion forum (Sat 11th June, 2 – 4pm) with fellow photographer Katherine Green and Crisis volunteer manager Jennie Smith will be a highlight of the exhibition. Speakers from both sides of the camera, including subjects from the Guests & Volunteers series, will discuss the challenges of representing individuals in vulnerable situations.

The exhibition finishes on Saturday 18th June and the full series of images will be online soon after.

Tokarska Gallery
163 Forest Rd
Walthamstow
London, E17 6HE
(Two minutes walk from Blackhorse Road tube on the Victoria Line)

Further information:
mark@mburtonphoto.com
0208 523 5252