OCA Study Day

On Saturday 3rd September, I attended an OCA Study Day at The Whitechapel Gallery.
After an early start, I arrived in London to find my planned underground  route to the Gallery from Euston blocked by line closures. I found the alternative route by bus and was surprised by the number of Police on duty at street corners, waiting in groups with motor bikes etc. I had not realised that a demonstration was planned to take place in the area of the Gallery!
I met other students outside the Gallery and went inside for the tour of Thomas Struth's exhibition. I had read that his photographs were large, but was unprepared for the actual sizes on display. The quality of such huge works was stunning and, at first, that was all I could think about. I returned to this part of the exhibition by myself later, when there were fewer people present. I was then more able to look at the work, which I found fascinating.  There was a huge disparity between the size of the people and the size of the environment around them.The frame was full of intriguing images, of people and place. In all the large photographs, there were small details to capture the attention - a huge oil rig, a small man fixing a bicycle.


The black and white street scenes had very central perspectives - not always an easy position to place oneself to take such photographs.


I really enjoyed the Paradise photographs - I identified with, feeling a familiarity with the exotic views portrayed. I then realised that they were taken in The Daintree River area which I had visited some years ago.


An overriding impression, apart from the size, was the simplicity of the way in which all the different subjects were framed and mounted. The picture said everything, there was no need to embellish with exotic mounts or complex frames.


I left the gallery only to walk into the demonstration where tensions simmered between opposing factions and the police trying to keep the peace. After the recent riots, I was somewhat afraid and rushed away down back streets to avoid trouble. I found myself in Brick Lane for the first time, and promised myself a return visit on a quieter day.