‘The 80s Photographing Britain’: Pogus Caesar
DACS’ new blog series, Image in Focus, goes behind the scenes to celebrate the creative processes of our artist members. Here, artist Pogus Caesar shares his insights about making his work Woman, 1985, from the series Into the Light, available to license via DACS' image bank, Artimage, now on show as part of the exhibition The 80s: Photographing Britain. This show traces the work of photographers, collectives, and publications, responding to the turbulent Thatcher years.
There are moments in life when you encounter an image, and instinctively, you and the camera join forces and instantly freeze time. The woman in question was with her husband, whom I knew quite well, so we engaged in conversation. The woman did not speak but listened intently, her beauty shimmering in majestic glory, the items of clothing consisted of a headscarf tucked into the coat with a lone button seeking my attention. As the seconds ebbed away, there was a realisation that this moment required documenting.
When possible, during the photographic process, I believe one should react quickly as the initial energy can easily subside. My camera is an antique Canon AF, the film is usually Ilford. I embrace these documentary methods because film grain can be unbalanced, the camera has only thirty-six frames and the flash is the size of a postage stamp. All of these elements provide what is required when taking portrait photography. In the photograph Woman, 1985, her optics lock you with a steady and unshakeable gaze. What she has witnessed, we will never know.
The nine portraits from the series Into the Light have never been displayed in a public gallery. This piece from the series evokes notions of self-discovery, the photographer learning to live with and adjust to the imperfect beauty lingering in the images, their untold histories and whether they were realised.
Throughout the decades I have produced a number of photographic series, each with a specific theme so they require debating on an individual basis - from a subjective standpoint, they are my grains of truth. This photograph evokes historical references as to how particular societies are encased in colonial darkness and shrouded in misinformation, secrecy, and untruths. The black background illuminates the face and reorganises itself as a metaphor for dismantling the historical shackles that, if unchallenged, can register themselves as the absolute truth. Additionally, there is no information given about the name, location or ethnicity of the portraits featured in the exhibition at Tate Britain. My intention is to lead the viewer to a starting point, the continual visual journey is up to them.
I hope the work will provide a small addition to the evolving social history of British photography, draw debate and ultimately personal conclusions, however as the years progress the work will reorganise and find its own trajectory.
For too long artists have buckled under a system of subtle exploitation, false promises and undervaluing of artistic content, so being able to license your work becomes vital. We have to constantly remind ourselves about our work’s legacy and organising our income streams. This brave and challenging new world is littered with hurdles and pitfalls, so stay strong, be inspired and have no fear. Our uniqueness and individuality are our strength.
DACS licensed the work of artist member Pogus Caesar for the catalogue of the exhibition 'The 80s: Photographing Britain' at Tate Britain, open until 5 May.
About Pogus Caesar
Pogus Caesar is a conceptual artist utilising multiple media. In 2018 Caesar was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham City University for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts. He has documented prominent figures and historical events such as the Handsworth Riots in 1985, a significant period of social unrest. He often reworks 35mm negatives into new forms, challenging the notion of religion, sex, history and identity from a Black British perspective. He is currently presenting photographs from the series ’Schwarz Flaneur’ at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, for the exhibition 'Friends in Love and War’.
Read more
- Browse more of Pogus’ work on Artimage, DACS' image digital platform for licensing modern and contemporary art
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