Slowing down can mean very different things to different people. Seventeen photographers from the London Independent Photography Central Group have put on an exhibition around the theme of slowing down, and the results show diverse and eclectic.

The subject matter ranges from spirituality, street and city life, the wilds of Cumbria, people, decay and the Thames. All of the artwork reflects the diversity of the group and how each of us has approached the theme.

Choosing images for an exhibition can be difficult, and I have struggled with choosing photos around slowing down. For me, it touches on spirituality, contemplation, the everyday, and trying to have spaces within the urban environment I live in to allow myself to slow down.

One quote from William Penn I came across close to the opening of the exhibition helped me greatly –

"True silence ... is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment."

This quote touches on what I had struggled with when choosing my photos to submit. It reminded me that the separation between my spirituality, my environment and the everyday is really non-existent. The images I did finally choose to submit (with the kind support and guidance of the other members of the group) were perhaps not ones I had expected to include. However, they do reflect this.

While on the surface street scenes may seem secular, my images allow the viewer to see the more contemplative side of cities, and humanity; to show them that cities have the ability of to slow down, and contemplate. While religious or spiritual buildings allow humanity to focus its spirituality, humanity’s spirituality isn’t restricted to these buildings.

We can find true silence anywhere – we just need to be open to it.

Exhibition Details: 

Slowing Down runs until the 1st December at the Mile End Art Pavilion, London, UK

Details: http://artpavilion.info/Slowing-Down-LIP-Exhibition

The London Independent Photography Central Group put on its first exhibition last week, and it was the first exhibition I have been in. I had a lot of excitement, some fear and feel very satisfied with how it went. 

Involved in the process was working with 12 other photographers to choose a theme, choose dates, find a venue, promote the exhibition, organise an opening night, not to mention choose our own images, get them printed and mounted. A lot of work was put in by all, and it really paid off. 

The exhibition has been well attended, and well received. People enjoyed the diversity of the group and the quality of the images. From the Group’s point of view, we have learned quite a lot about mounting an exhibition and what’s involved. 

On a personal level, my confidence has been boosted by how people received my images of the Museum of Civilization. I have had some interest in people wanting to buy any or all of my prints. 

As an artist, it is sometimes hard to know how people will react to your work. However, I am always interested in what others see in my work. The diversity of comments I received were really quite revealing. How my photos speak to others varies radically from person to person. 

I have the exhibition bug, and want to see how I can be part of future exhibitions. 

The London Independent Photography Central Group’s exhibition has been extended and now runs until the 25th November. It is at the Mile End Art Pavilion.