This exhibition was a portrait of the African and Caribbean communities in the UK.
Glenn Edwards’ digital colour photographs focused in on the last decade and the experience of African communities in Wales in particular.
Double 4 African Cafe-Newport. ©Glenn Edwards
Vanley Burkes’ black and white film photographs beautifully captured the 1970’s-90’s Caribbean communities in the English midlands portraying the personal, social and economic life of black people as they arrived, settled and became established in British society.
Dominoes at The Bulls Head, Lozells Road. 1988 - ©Vanley Burke
The Exhibition opened an important dialogue between 2 artists of different backgrounds - Welsh photojournalist Glenn Edwards and British Jamaican photographer Vanley Burke. Both artists were drawn to each other as they endeavour to tell the story of black British communities.
The outer walls of the gallery exhibited Glenn Edwards’ photographs that span the last 6 years documenting an array of different African communities living across the breadth of Wales. Beginning with a new-born blessing and ending with a son’s farewell at his mothers’ remembrance service, what we see in between is a glimpse into people’s private and public lives – the different cultures, the dual identities, the religions, the celebrations, the music, the achievements, the actions for change and the personal stories that bind us all.
Africa Day - Rodney Parade, Newport - ©Glenn Edwards
Photojournalist Glenn Edwards, awarded press photographer of the year has travelled widely documenting for national and international news organisations including The Times and The Independent. He and Olu Oni are founders of Africa Welsh News, an online newspaper:
“Its aim is to platform good news stories on Africa from a Welsh perspective and to create opportunities and skill sharing for the African community in Wales”
- GLENN EDWARDS
Artist and photographer Vanley Burke was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society in 2021 and has exhibited widely including TATE Britain.
"It's just about the ability to see something others may be unable to see, in terms of the value. Then show people. They need to see their contribution to this community. I mean, they have been contributing to this thing from the 50s and it's gone beyond, but there is no reference anywhere. It's about having themselves reflected, they are so desperate to see themselves. But this will be there, it isn't going anywhere...."
- VANLEY BURKE
