The current exhibition on display in the foyer and café at Bridport Arts Centre is a photography exhibition by Mike Smithwick. Shot in both colour and black and white, Mike Smithwick’s images portray humorous and poignant slices of contemporary life, in and around his hometown of Bridport.
Mike Smithwick said, “My passion for photography began when I was given a 35mm camera at school, and has remained ever since. I studied photography at Ealing School of Art, but it is only in the last couple of years that my photography has veered towards the genre loosely termed “street photography”, which is the quest for that “perfect moment”, as defined by Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of many influences that include Don McCullin, Sasha Gusor and Nils Jorgensen.
"I’m never without my camera, and love seeking out ironic, amusing and unusual situations and moments that can produce beauty from the absurd and quirky side of life. I shoot in digital now, which aids working in both colour and black and white, although I’m usually drawn more towards black and white.
“This is my first exhibition, for which, thanks to Bridport Arts Centre, and thanks also to Vernon Roberts of The Emporium for his patience and help in framing and mounting. Finally, thanks go to all the wonderfully varied characters of West Dorset, without whom etc..!”
The exhibition runs until Saturday 1 March.
Tuesday 22 January – Saturday 1 March
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
free admission
tel: 01308 424204
website: www.bridport-arts.com
