Faces of Balby Bridge
A Photography Pop-Up Exhibition by Jamie Bubb
The exhibition will be up until the 8th of August 2023.
The Celebration Event
A celebration of the photography pop-up exhibition by Jamie Bubb, starring the people of Balby Bridge.
It was a wonderful day celebrating Jamie’s year-long artist in residence with the residents of the Balby Bridge Estate. It was beautiful to be able to share Jamie’s collaboration with the estate, share stories together and celebrate the community.
Free activities were be provided by The Family Hub team, alongside craft activities with Karen Hall. Sarup from Awesome Faces came along and Face Painted and there was free ice cream!
The Exhibition
About the Artist and the Project
Jamie Bubb is a portrait photographer based in Doncaster and specialises in photographing ordinary people.
As part of our Phase 4 programming, we have committed to delivering a three-year programme of work within the Balby Bridge Estate to get to know the community on a deeper level.
Portrait by Graeme Oxby
“In my experience, Art brings something to communities that nothing else does.”
Read our chat with Jamie here
About Jamie and his connection to the Estate
Jamie is a Doncaster based photographer who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years and his artistic practice started 25 years ago with a background of illustration and graphic design.
His work focuses on photographing ordinary folk and is passionate about making sure “people like themselves a bit more after they've seen their photograph”.
With Jamie growing up near the area and having friends living on the estate he feels like he has a personal connection to that area.
“I think that's always been my aim. To not only find out about people, for my benefit, but I think finding out about other people helps us understand ourselves. You can be presented with different points of view, different life experiences, and sometimes common points of view and shared life experiences.”
“I want people to like themselves a bit more after they’ve seen their photograph”
The Project
Jamie will be spending time getting to know the residents and photographing individuals to share their story and creativity. The intention is to share these photographs and celebrate the vibrant community the area has.
With there being so many community groups established in the area, Jamie has already started to explore the area and introduce himself to the locals. “I had my hair cut last week in a local barber. Just listening to conversations. I'm going to book in for a fresh shave so I can spend a bit more time there. They're a really interesting group of lads who work there.” Jamie also has a bingo session lined up to meet more of the community.
Jamie’s Approach
There are so many individuals Jamie hasn’t met yet within the community, but he says his approach is to talk to as many people as possible and see where that leads. He sees the project as an exploratory piece, and he is excited for the journey and what he might discover.
“I don’t think there are many places in Doncaster I don’t have some part of my life connected to.”
Jamie’s Previous Projects
Jamie’s recent projects include ‘The Books that Made Us’ which was inspired by the Booker Prize held in Doncaster. The portraits explored the relationships people have with literature and is currently a permanent installation at the Frenchgate Artspace in Doncaster.
Examples of Jamie’s Work
“Art has that power to make people self-reflect and examine themselves and find those things to celebrate and be happy about.”