Photography Social - Kristel Trow

November Photography Social welcomes Kristel Trow. 21st November 6-8pm at Aunty Social, Topping Street.

The Russian Doll is Kristel’s most intimate work to date, a series of new black and white photographic portraits of women who have experienced all types of violence: domestic, state, health.

Inspired by the wartime photographers who carried their own portable darkrooms, the photographs have been developed in a specially designed camera, which sits in the belly of a Russian doll. Kristel was given a Russian Doll as a child, a recognisable object and a popular souvenir, and kept it until she moved into a women's refuge herself. During this time her view of the object changed it became ‘a symbol of femininity and fertility and a caricature of how women are sometimes viewed and treated; like a personal ornament that can be picked up and put down.’

Kristel has collaborated with women for this series of portraits which captures their intimate stories. The installation takes you on an inner journey from trauma to recovery and highlights shared experiences through these women’s voices. Kristel has been working in close collaboration with women all over the country, within Wales and further afield such as Oxford, Dartmoor and the Eden Project, Cornwall. Each place has been chosen carefully with each collaborator, as a place that means something to each of these women.

Kristel Trow, artist, said:

“I have a story that’s authentic and I have taken a journey that many other people can and will take if they are open enough to keep going. Perhaps the bravest thing I’ve done during my darkest times is called myself an artist regardless.”

Tickets: Entry is free, but we do ask that if you book tickets, and find you can no longer attend, please let us know so we can offer the tickets to someone else

Photography Champions is a national initiative led by Photoworks, supported by public funding through Arts Council England’s National Portfolio.

Access

Important physical access info:

Please note that this session is upstairs. We are in the process of installing a lift, however due to unforeseen delays this is now due to be completed later in the year. The event space is up a single flight of 14 steps then you go around the corner and there are two small steps. Once you’re upstairs there’s a loo. You shouldn’t need to come downstairs for anything until the end of the activity.

If you have additional access needs (e.g. large print, BSL interpreter, level access) please let us know by emailing (using the contact organiser button/link) or sending us an SMS text/WhatsApp message on 07957 602790.

• Tram & Train to Blackpool North Station
• Bus: No 6 or 18 to Topping St., No 3, 3a, 5c, 6, 18 to Church St (Stanley Buildings), No 5, 5a, 5b, 6, 7a, 14 to Talbot Rd

• Driving: The closest pay and display car parks are on East Topping St and Talbot Road multi storey. There is also parking at the nearby Sainsbury’s supermarket, please make sure that you check the terms before you use the car park.

Host or Publisher Blackpool Community Darkroom