In Those Days / Community (2020)
This work is a homage to Britain’s urban landscapes, human resilience, poverty and childhood inspired by the pioneering female street photographer Shirley Baker. The photograph’s I have chosen to take inspiration from are Baker’s depictions of the urban clearance programmes of Hulme, Manchester, between 1961 – 1981. Despite being based on local memories, this piece testifies to the poverty and resilience of all communities that have been under siege due to changing cityscapes.
"Whole streets were disappearing and I hoped to capture some trace of the everyday life of people who lived there" - Baker
This work is made up from sound recordings inspired by the activities and objects that are taking place in Baker's photographs, field recordings from Hulme today, and archived recordings from the British Library of Shirley Baker and other Hulme residents in interview.