Bran Symondson
dal 26/1/2011 al 19/2/2011
Segnalato da
26/1/2011
Bran Symondson
Idea Generation, London
The Best View of Heaven is from Hell. Symondson's photographs represent a side of the conflict that has remained completely untold until now. For the first time, an exhibition of his remarkable work will be on show at The Idea Generation Gallery, in images that lay bare the remarkable contradictions in the life of an Afghan policeman.
Astonishing images of the Afghan National Police as soldier returns to
Afghanistan as a civilian photographer to document their daily lives and struggle
against the Taliban.
As a serving soldier in the British Army, Bran Symondson became fascinated by the Afghan National Police (ANP),
their ethos and their daily existence in the war with the Taliban. When he was given the opportunity to return and
document these characters as a civilian photographer in 2010, he was able to capture a unique perspective on the
current conflict.
Symondson’s photographs represent a side of the conflict that has remained completely untold until now. For the
first time, an exhibition of his remarkable work will be on show at The Idea Generation Gallery, in images that lay
bare the remarkable contradictions in the life of an Afghan policeman.
The men of the ANP preserve as well as corrupt; they must be relied upon, but can’t be trusted; they are proud of
their appearance in the midst of squalor, and are curiously feminine in a world of machismo, force and power. The
role of the ANP is at the heart of every contradiction, as it is their job to keep the encroaching sides apart, yet help
bring Afghanistan together as a nation.
Symondson had gained unique access to the men serving with the ANP and formed bonds of trust in this
enormously difficult environment. His photographs are unique not only because the ANP is unique, but because of
his empathy with his subjects, and the beauty he is able to bring to such chaotic juxtaposition.
The alliance between the ANP and their British “trainers” is encapsulated in one exceptional image: a mouse sits
trapped on a rose, beneath it a scorpion. It is finely balanced between respect and death: neither has a safe way out.
The ANP paint their weapons with naive folk art, decorating them with flowers to beautify and soften their existence.
In a culture where women are hidden away in compounds, men turn to each other for comfort and sexual
gratification. These intimate relationships are prominent in Symondson’s work, which shows the strong bonds these
men share. The images are all the more surprising in a culture where homosexuality is punishable by death.
A character frequently seen is the ‘Chai boy’, shown below. He has a similar status to that of a beautiful woman; in
return for sexual acts with older members within the group, he is cared for and can manipulate his adoring circle.
As well as some 60 intimate portraits of the ANP and their world, the exhibition will include ephemeral items such as
original anti-Taliban leaflets, Symondson’s trusty worn-out camera, and other objects he has used to document his
experience. A programme of special events and talks will run alongside the exhibition, including a photographer’s
tour around the gallery, to give viewers an insight into a world that is so different from here.
For further information / Use of pictures / Interviews
Idea Generation: +44(0)20 7749 6850
Olivia Gibson: olivia@ideageneration.co.uk
Emily Airton: emily.airton@ideageneration.co.uk
Private View 27th January 2011
Idea Generation Gallery
11 Chance Street, London
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10pm - 6pm First Thursdays: Open to 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – 5pm