An exhibition of photographs by Stephen Champion

18 April – 22 June 2013

The exhibition ‘Colours of Change’ illustrates and catalogues the rapid changes that have taken place during the last 28 years that Stephen has been photographing Sri Lanka. From the delicate co operation between villager and nature taken from his book ‘Dharmadeepa’, published in 2009, to the brutality of war in ‘Sri Lanka War Stories’ published in 2008 and the post war culture of construction and shifting landscapes in his latest work, ‘Colours of Change’.

Immitation flowers, Jaffna 2011

The exhibition examines the spectacle of past and present, wartime and peaceful times and the evolving image that is beginning to create the landscape of tomorrow. Stephen’s work changes as it passes through three decades, creating a flow of thoughtful imagery and a document of our time. ‘Colours of Change’ celebrates the conscience of the independently minded and free. It is dedicated in part to all those who provoke truth and knowledge. Stephen’s books and exhibitions draw on the traditions of visual storytelling where the photographs, silent as they are, actually explode with narrative. This is the trademark of his photographic expression and the essence of his image.

Patient at prosthetic limb replacement centre, Killinochchi 2004

The photographs in ‘Sri Lanka War Stories’ lend voices to the oppressed. In ‘Dharmadeepa’ the passing of time and place is observed, where places, traditions and landscapes are only remembered in the recording of time, as they change, reform and disappear. In ‘Colours of Change’ tomorrow’s new urban, hybrid village is born and change like never before is embraced.

“These s e n s i t i v i t i es  resonate much interest from within the intellectual world of the villager and urban dweller alike as they attempt to co-exist in an increasingly competitive and urban environment. In the prevailing time of global greed and inequality, I share this work ‘Colours of Change’ in order to promote dignity and understanding within all communities and to encourage others to respect our collective fragility.”

Stephen Champion, 2013

Stephen Champion is a freelance photographer based in London. From 1986 he developed new works in Sri Lanka, creating several exhibitions, in 1993 his first book, Lanka 1986-1992, was published in the UK. His photographs have appeared internationally in magazines, academic research papers, newspapers and films. Champion has been a visiting lecturer at several UK universities and his work is retained in both public and private collections.

Reservoir, near Nalanda 2002

BRUNEI GALLERY, SOAS  

THORNHAUGH STREET ,   RUSSELL SQUARE      

OPEN: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30 – 17.00 (Thurs late night opening until 20.00)                                                           

CLOSED: Sunday, Monday, and Bank Holidays                                                                                         ADMISSION FREE               

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For more information visit:   www.soas.ac.uk/gallery