The Extraordinary Everyday: Film and Photography

24 Nov 2016

Bringing together a curated programme of moving and still image work, this event presents work by Middlesex University staff and students alongside invited artists. The event will focus on the notion of the 'extraordinary' found in social and cultural practices, youth cultures, fashion and music. The two hour programme includes the presentation of film extracts and show reels of photography series followed by a panel discussion.

Amongst those presenting work are Alison Tanner, Jason Summerfield, documentary filmmaker Jeanie Finlay and artist Rory Pilgrim.

Curated by Camilla Brown and Phil Healey.

Programme notes

6.30 – 6.50           Jeanie Finlay

6.50 – 7.05           Alison Tanner

7.05 – 7.25           Rory Pilgrim

7.25 – 7.40           Gavin Fernandes

7.40 – 7.50           Panel discussion led by Camilla Brown and Phil Healey

7.50 – 8.30           Presentation of work by recent Middlesex alumnae Jason Summerfield, Will Lakin and William Gillingham-Sutton

Artist biographies

Jeanie Finlay

Jeanie Finlay is a British artist and filmmaker who creates intimate, funny and personal documentary films and artworks. Her focus is on creating compelling portraits and she is obsessed with telling other people’s stories. Often connected to music her works include BIFA winning ORION: The Man Who Would Be King, The Great Hip Hop Hoax for BBC Storyville and BBC Scotland, and SOUND IT OUT, a film portrait about the very last vinyl record shop in Teesside UK, broadcast on BBC 4.
Alison Tanner

Alison Tanner is a freelance London-based photographer whose work focuses on behind the scenes fashion, portraiture and documentary. She has worked for clients such as Miss Dior, Dior Capture, Valentino Red, Waddler and Freedom to Exist. Alison's work has been featured in international publications and magazines. She is fascinated by re-enactment and those who spend their leisure time around the UK pretending to be other people from other times. From this she has evolved a fascination with other UK traditions and cultural heritage such as Morris dancers. Her documentary style of portraiture reflects on historical perspectives of British identity.
Rory Pilgrim

Rory Pilgrim’s practice is based on emancipatory concerns, in which personal and political questions are brought together to explore connections between activism, spirituality, music and community. Solo shows include Rowing Projects, London, UK (2017), Flat Time House, London, UK (2016), Site Gallery, Sheffield UK (2016), Andriesse-Eyck Gallery, Amsterdam NL (2015) and sic! Raum für Kunst, Luzern (2014). Groups shows, performances and screenings include Guangzhou Triennial, China (2015), MING Studios, Boise USA (2015), Kunst Werke, Berlin (2013), and Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam (2012).
Gavin Fernandes

Gavin Fernandes joined Middlesex University as a Senior Lecturer in Autumn 2011. His practice of creative fashion direction incorporates both his own fashion styling and photography disciplines, to encompass complex and provocative socio-political discussions around themes of cultural identity, religion, feminine empowerment and gender. His visual narratives Monarchs of the East End and Empire Line were presented as solo-exhibitions at Maison Des Arts de Creteil, Paris, 2007, at Rich Mix Cultural Foundation in London and at Maison Folie in Lille. His work has been exhibited in London at The Photographers’ Gallery; Victoria and Albert Museum; Whitechapel Art Gallery; Institute of Contemporary Arts; Royal Academy of Arts; Barbican Centre; National Maritime Museum; Museum of London.