I came across this photo ‘BANKRUPT’ in John’s collection, for me it’s an image that represents a sign of our times, past and present. John is making some fantastic work looking at life in Britain now and I would highly recommend visiting his website and investing in some of his publications. He has pushed forward in the photo industry making work that’s true to his life experiences, what he sees, and the people he knows. It’s not work that has been easily embraced by a small group in the photo community but has been embraced by many others, and John works hard at making sure his work is seen.
It’s work that I feel is raw and represents elements of real life that might not be the most comfortable to look at because it might feel removed to some, but we should see more of it so people don’t feel so detached from one another. We live in communities layered with different existences and experiences. ‘BANKRUPT’ is one of John’s more still photos, he's often bang in the middle of some action, very people-focused, but this photo is fixed in my head, I see so much movement in it. I see all the human energy in a space, and what this building may have meant to the people who once worked there, the business owners, and all the customers over the years buying their new dream sofas and beds.
When I saw ‘BANKRUPT’ it made me reflect on the photos I am taking, because an element I am thinking of is the cost of living in Britain and seeing how over the last 10 years my hometown of Brighton has declined.
Some publications, where you can discover more about John
https://www.thentherewasus.co.uk/archive/a-human-approach-to-documenting-society-with-john-bolloten
https://www.huckmag.com/contributor/john-bolloten
John is in the process of making a new book ‘ THIS IS NOT A LIFE, IT’S JUST AN EXISTENCE’ follow on Instagram for updates John Bolloten
You can buy a print from John - https://www.johnbolloten.co.uk/Shop.html
A4 signed C-Type photographic print on Fuji Crystal Archive paper or similar. 100 years of archival protection. If you would like to buy a print, then send me a message John. https://www.johnbolloten.co.uk/Contact
