Taylor Wessing, for all those that don’t know, is a law firm so their sponsorship of a photographic portrait prize at The National Portrait Gallery seems a rather odd partnership. Scanning the exhibition catalogue for an explanation as to how these two became such comfortable bed fellows, I find that apparantly both institutions strive for the same goal- excellence- and it is this that 'brings them together'. Whether or not this is grounds for justified partnership, i'm not convinced, yet despite this slightly unconvincing pairing, the exhibition does not disappoint.
The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize encourages and cultivates new talent, whilst emphasising the importance of hard work and a forward thinking, creative attitude. In fact most of the photos in this exhibition are so striking and compelling that ‘excellence’ is once again ill fitting- an undersatement even.
My particular favourite is Oli Kellett’s photo of ‘Emma’ laying back into a cushioned pink sofa, staring out of an unseen window. Uncomplicated and peaceful this image really struck a chord with me as I could quite easily picture myself sitting in that same chair, looking out of that same window simply watching the world pass by. ‘Hannah’ by Gino Spiro is a more sombre portrait but equally as captivating. This nervous looking girl, framed by a dark black background, stares directly at us, the self harm marks on her arms in full view. They lean stiffly against her naked body acting as her barrier from the viewer who feels uncomfortable in the intimacy this photograph demands.
‘Group Of Friends At Barceloneta Beach’ by Lluis Artus is more light hearted, rousing a few sniggers as visitors, particularly women, scampered past it. Artus presents a group of tanned, over weight Spanish men in tiny speedos who stand grouped together staring gallantly into the camera; their bodies shimmering with tanning oil in a pose attempting intimidation but rather revealing a close friendship between them.
Another provocative portrait was that by Carol Allen-Storey ‘Forgotten Woman Of Genocide’. Here a distressed lady pulls up her shirt to reveal a severe laceration scar running along the bottom of her rib cage. Tears stream from her eyes as she looks down upon it and the giant crack running down the wall that she sits against echoes her disfigurement. ‘Huong 19 In Hanoi’ from the series ‘A War’s legacy- birth defects in Vietnam’ is truly shocking. The portrait displays a man born with no eyes, not even the sockets; just one of the many horrific consequences of nuclear bombs.
This exhibition is very moving and I would strongly recommend it. My advice however is try not to go on a Saturday, as it gets extremely busy and it’s difficult to stop and really take time to look at the works.
The National Portrait Gallery, Free admission, until February 14 2010.
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