Worthing photographer explores world of lockdown in major new exhibition

His exhibition is part of the Fringe 2020 (formerly Brighton Photo Fringe), which this year will include 20 self-curated exhibitions and more than 150 online exhibitions (featured on the Photo Fringe website).

Barry’s photography project, titled Undiagnosed, is at the West Buildings Shelter, which is located on Marine Parade, Worthing, the promenade that runs alongside the seafront (throughout October).

“It will consist of 30 portraits of families and friends, arranged around the rectangular space. The West Shelter is an outdoor venue which means it will be open for public viewing 24/7. I will be working alongside and supported by Colonnade House, a creative hub in Worthing that supports local artists and designers.

“Undiagnosed was made in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Like many photographers I decided to try to capture some of the atmosphere of these strange times by photographing as many of my friends and neighbours as possible within walking distance of where I live.

“I sent out messages with a simple request: to photograph people on their front doorsteps. The response was overwhelmingly affirmative; people wanted to be a part of a collective project, to be noticed in this time of social distancing.

“As the project developed, it began to link people together, forming a collective sense of self during this socially isolated period. The title Undiagnosed refers to the many without a diagnosis, at the time of the project, not in quarantine yet still socially distant.

“The images were taken between the period of the first Prime Minister’s ‘stay at home’ speech on March 16 and his second ‘stay at home go to work’ speech on May 10. During this period the social restrictions were tightened, the death toll increased, the nation clapped for its NHS staff whilst PPEs were in short supply, testing for the virus was scant, there was no clear end in sight and the Prime Minister went into intensive care.”

Barry describes himself as a photographer “exploring a range of issues related to the psychological sense of self.”

“I have documented key science research centres that are at the forefront of scientific research, asking the questions of what it means to be conscious, sentient and human.

“I have also focussed on locations in Eastern Europe to consider my own personal identity and to explore how these places hold a sense of memory and collective loss related to trauma and atrocity.”

Barry has exhibited in a wide range of venues across the UK, including the Regency Town House, Brighton, Onca Gallery, Brighton, and the Milton Keynes Gallery.

Operating within up-to-date government guidelines, Barry will be presenting a series of pre-arranged artist’s talks (for small, safe, social bubbles) throughout the weekends of October.

If you would like to meet to discuss the project or require further information, contact [email protected]