Identity

Jeremy Williams

May 1 - June 30

Identity is a sensitive issue. Whether it be as an individual or a society, we seem to struggle with the notion of what is or is not acceptable. In these three series Jeremy Williams explores the notion of identity through a story of personal discovery, stereotype and censorship.

"Coming Out: Emerging From Adolescence" is a series of six images documenting the stages of realisation that take individuals from youthful innocence through to adult awareness. Based on a conversation with the series central model, singer/dancer Christopher Hall, about his experience of coming out, Jeremy noted that his own journey from teenage insecurity to adult assurance mirrored many of Christopher's stages. The series closes with the image 'Demonstration', which was shortlisted for the BSG Photography Prize 2011.

"Dolls" is an exploration of the connection between social stereotyping and the human representations found within the various forms of doll. Essentially a child's toy, the doll is heavily loaded with notions of expectancy. While Barbie is deemed a Miss Popular, the Ragdoll is just a throwaway plaything. The series poses the question 'is stereotyping of dolls acceptable when the characteristics are presented in human form?

'"Censored" offers an insight into the imbalance between male and female censorship within Western society. As children we are taught to embrace the naked form as normality, yet at the same time various body parts are deemed worthy of constant cover. "Censored" explores the distinction between the levels of acceptance within the male and female body. The series was created as part of Uncensored', which debuted at the Leslie-Lohman Museum, New York.

About the artist:

Since graduating from the University of Hull in 2005, Jeremy Williams has focused his energies on building a career in the creative industry. While his initial focus centred on acting and writing – with highlights including the staging of his debut play "Poppycock!", performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in "Henry V" and playing Claire in Genet's "The Maids" in no less than three productions, he has more recently broadened his horizons to include journalism and photography.

The founder of www.the-kaje.com, he discovered his love of photography while working as the central model for Levi Miller's "Being Boys" and "Style Pigs" collections.

Since setting out as a photographer, Jeremy has seen his work fuse with his passion for music and his work has graced the pages of several magazines as well as album and single covers. Highlights include Hanson, Owl Eyes, Oh Mercy, Melissa Bergland, Sarah Blasko, Paris Wells, Wynter Gordon and Lanu.

More details about Jeremy Williams can be found at www.jeremy-williams.net