Edition 2004

STEPHEN GILL

Field Studies

Although he is only 33, Stephen Gill is emerging as a major force in British photography. His best work is a hybrid between documentary and conceptual work and for his first international one-person show four new series are shown. It is the repeated exploration of one idea, executed with the precision that makes these series so fascinating and illuminating.
Day Return
Travelling repeatedly on the 10.15 am train from Liverpool St, London to Southend, Gill walked the length of the whole train and photographed the passengers staring out of the windows or busying themselves in different ways. The resulting photographs show passengers connected and isolated, dreamy and focussed. The images explore private moments in a public place.
Trolleys Portraits
These trolleys are an integral part of the British social landscape, favoured in particular by older women. Gill has isolated these trolleys with their proud owners, who rely on these vehicles for both security and to transport their shopping. Gill has produced a series of compelling portraits, that are simultaneously sad and uplifting.
Lost
Gill has photographed the act of getting help with directions in the street. Most of the lost souls are clutching a map or guide and have asked a passer by for some assistance. However as the resulting photographs demonstrate many of the helpers seem as lost as the person seeking help.
Billboards
Our towns and cities are filled with billboards shouting out their various commercial messages. Gill has photographed these billboards, but from behind, revealing the urban, often squalid scenes they conceal. Gill also tells us with a dry caption exactly what each billboard is advertising. Many contradictions then emerge between the sitting and the product being advertised, a wry development in urban landscape. Gill is a prolific photographer who also enjoys a successful career as an editorial photographer, and many of his self originated projects have been widely published. Gill brings a very British, understated irony into portrait and landscape photography. Martin Parr

With the backing of the British Council.

  • Institutional partners

    • République Française
    • Région Provence Alpes Côté d'Azur
    • Département des Bouches du Rhône
    • Arles
    • Le Centre des monuments nationaux est heureux de soutenir les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles en accueillant des expositions dans l’abbaye de Montmajour
  • Main partners

    • Fondation LUMA
    • BMW
    • SNCF
    • Kering
  • Media partners

    • Arte
    • Lci
    • Konbini
    • Le Point
    • Madame Figaro
    • France Culture