In Focus
How can photography help to share our ideas of who we are? Photography and philosophy combined on this course for Muslim and non-Muslim women, supported by Amal Foundation
What are the stories we’re telling about ourselves?
In Focus was a six week course providing free photography skills workshops for people from the local community, exploring identity through philosophy and photography. Follow our group's journey through the course, sharing stories behind personal items, memories and reflections.
Exposure: Imprints in Time by Rich MixRich Mix
How can photography help to share our ideas?
In March 2020 we held a taster session, encouraging people to engage with the philosophical questions In Focus would explore. We worked with photographer Sarah Ainslie and Liz Allum from Global Learning London, who would go on to facilitate the project.
Exposure: Imprints in Time by Rich MixRich Mix
Due to COVID-19, we programmed online sessions as well as in-person activities for our participants to come together to share their life experiences, debate issues and support one another, while learning a new skill.
Exposure: Imprints in Time by Rich MixRich Mix
Made up of a diverse mix of Muslim and non-Muslim women, the group used cherished items as a way of opening up conversations about their backgrounds and beliefs.
Exposure: Imprints in Time by Rich MixRich Mix
The sessions were designed to bring people together by celebrating and embracing the different aspects of people’s everyday lives. Participants shared perspectives and viewpoints, while simultaneously being taught the skills to translate them into imagery.
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Fatima AliRich Mix
Developing our perspective
Personal and shared views, experiences and memories inspired collages (like Fatima Ali's, shown here). These combined photography, images and words.
Exposure: Imprints in Time by Rich MixRich Mix
After our hybrid In Focus sessions, each of our participants created a range of photography, writing and poetry to be displayed in the front windows of Rich Mix. 'Exposure - Imprints In Time' was a socially-distant exhibit during the first months of 2021.
'Exposure - Imprints In Time'
On the next slide, watch a video of the final images for 'Exposure - Imprints in Time', and hear from our participants as they talk about their experiences on the course.
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Kara-Dee RaiRich Mix
Karan Rai: 'Coffee Map'
"I’ve always wanted to do more travelling, experience different cultures, exploring jungles and desserts, driving vintage cars in Cuba. Whilst working from home I look down at an empty coffee mug left with a visual of a world map. Art really is everywhere."
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Rufshana BegumRich Mix
Rufshana Begum
"With every darkness of night comes a new light of day. I’m hopeful we will all get through this storm look forward to reliving those moments again, the aromas, laughter, noises, the stories told over a cup of tea bringing an overwhelming feeling of love, warmth and joy."
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Marie SleighRich Mix
Marie Sleigh: 'Good Times'
"All the items on display in the wardrobe, have their own stories to tell, similar to Mr Benn when he put on the clothes in the magical clothes shop and then stepped out of the dressing room into an adventure, so too have I."
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Rukea KhatunRich Mix
Rukea Khatun
"Busy, not free, no time to breathe
Met family and friends, honoured traditions and trends
No time to discover the beauty round the corner
Juggled life
That was me before the pandemic of 2020."
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Fatima AliRich Mix
Fatima Ali
"I really can take a picture – to claim that is a big thing for me. This teapot has become the star, really. It’s interesting to think - what do we claim [in regards to identity] and what don’t we? I want to acknowledge my teapot as a container of memories and emotions."
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Salam BalaamRich Mix
Salam Balaam
"I was walking to Victoria Park and usually I walk the same route to get to the lake, this time I made a mistake and took a wrong turn. I was so surprised to come across this! It’s a really soft fruit, like a kind of berry. It looks like a hard skin but actually it's very soft."
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Rukia BegumRich Mix
Rukia Begum
"2020
When History re-tells the story of 2020, the Covid-19 year
Here are the imprints I’ve left, when I was here."
Exposure: Imprints in Time (21st Century) by Tracy BarbeRich Mix
Tracy Barbe
"The process of unpacking, both physically and emotionally, during the enforced COVID lockdowns has led to unpeeling some of the labels that I have given myself (or others have given me)."
Exposure: Imprints in Time by Rich MixRich Mix
"This project has enabled me to capture the spaces in between, slowing down - seeing more, and being more present."
- Karan Rai
The programme was supported by Amal Foundation.
Facilitated by Photographer Sarah Ainslie and Liz Allum from Global Learning London.
Photography by Bettina Adela, Fatima Ali, Salam Balaam, Tracy Barbe, Rufshana Begum, Rukia Begum, Rukea Khatun, Karan Rai and Marie Sleigh.
With thanks to Fatima Ali, Salam Balaam, Tracy Barbe, Rufshana Begum, Rukia Begum, Rukea Khatun, Karan Rai and Marie Sleigh for their contributions of memories and photography.
