Simon Annaurd V&A London

This images almost looks like it is a mask, with the expression on the face giving that impression, I really like the way this image is presented.

This was taken showing the way that the images were displayed in the V&A, which I believe makes all the difference to the way you view images, especially in public exhibitions. the down side is that the public usually obstruct your view!!
A very different view of Kirsten Scott Thomas backstage. The joy of these images by this author is that you see these people in the un-glamourous and normal state, which means I can relate to them in a different and more normal way.

that pre thought before going on stage and whiling the time away waiting for the glamour to come.

Deep in thought, almost relaxed, one down one to go. what is he thinking about, is it the next session, or what is he going to do after, or reflecting on his performance? This makes the image interesting and as a viewer you keep looking, and you can come to several conclusions, as I have noted above.



Simon Annaurd
Whilst at the V&A last Monday I also went to see the Theatre section, for no reason other than I had not seen it before. Well, a treat was in store as Simon Annaurd had an exhibition of photographs there of his work in the Theatre. The exhibition is called “The Half”. The title of the work is based on the 30 minutes that the cast get to settle and concentrate on their upcoming performance on stage. It is a private time for actors/actresses, and as a result the images he has captured are quite remarkable as this part of their lives are rarely captured.
He has had unprecedented access over the last 25 years, and the results are evident in his approach, which is quite intimate in their dressing rooms (not the most glamorous of places when you look at the photos) which is dependent on the actor/actress themselves. This 30 minutes prior to going on stage has rarely been seen by other than those involved and shows a remarkable insight into that world. These images give us the audience an insight into the fascinating workings of Theatre behind the curtain.
On a smaller scale, I have in the past been involved with a touring opera group and can appreciate the difficulty in getting these images. His portraits are quite unusual, and he has a keen eye for detail. And his images leave a lot to study.
I like the informality of the poses, some of the subjects do not even seem to be aware he is there eg Daniel Graig- others have a look that shows the level of concentration that they are in eg Gillian Anderson, whereas Kiera Knightley is apparently looking at the photographer. Others are in conversation, eg Martin Sheen, or is he practising his lines? The interesting thing is you do not really know what is going through their minds at the moment of the shutter clicking, there is a level of intrigue in each and every image. What we do not know of course is how many images he took to achieve the ones selected. These were taken in the age of film, and he started in the late 70’s
I found it difficult to photograph in the exhibition but I did manage to get some, which also shows how well the images are presented in an exhibition. I am intending to purchase his book, as it fascinating to see these images. The stark Black and White I think show the intimacy of the moments.