WesternEye issue 2

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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02

LIFESTYLE

Halloween: cocktails & stews Pre-drinks are a great way to save cash – make sure your drinks are full of Halloween spirits (in more ways than one)!

KAYTIE MCFADDEN

assistanteditor@westerneye.net

Whether you want to splash out or save the pennies, there are many different Halloween related cocktails to try out. The ‘Zombie’ is probably the ultimate Halloween treat. My personal favourite (throughout the year, not just during October), it uses a few different spirits (three different types of Rum) so can be costly, but there are alternatives, which I’ll tell you about as we go along!

The recipe as follows:

© Half fill your glass with ice (totally optional, it tastes good cold, but keeping the ingredients in the fridge means that it its refreshingly cold without watering down your drink! © Add one shot of white, one shot of dark, and one shot of spiced rum. (This is all good and well in a bar, but it’s totally pointless buying three different bottles of rum. So unless you’re classy and non-student-y enough to have a liquor cabinet then just stick with spiced rum, as it tastes the best.) © Fill almost to the top of the glass with fruit juice. I tend to use a combination of pineapple and orange juice for this, but a splash of cranberry never hurt anyone.

I recommend using all three and counting it towards

your five-a-day. Then you’re not even lying when you tell your parents “yes, of course I’m eating lots of fruit and veg. Supernoodles? I don’t even know what they are!” © Adding a little grenadine and blue Curaçao right at the end is why it’s called a zombie.

The red-coloured Grenadine sits on the top and the Curaçao sinks to the bottom, giving an ominous layering of blue, green, orange and red. Just try to resist the urge to stir it, it goes a horrible

combination is a luminous green coloured drink, hence ‘The Hulk’.

It will even turn your tongue green, which is just adding to the zombie costume you’ve been slashing up clothes and spraying fake blood about to create. It’s the details that count!

SYNNE VANGEN

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brown colour. © 2/5 WKD Blue (obviously, WKD can be easily substituted for whichever blue-coloured alco-pop happens to be on sale at the time. For example, ASDA have a home-brand blue alco-pop which costs £1.70 for 70cl). © 2/5 Red Bull (or once again, whatever cheawper alternative you can find!) © 1/5 Vodka.

The result of this winning

For a cheaper, but equally tasty Halloween cocktail try ‘The Hulk’:

“I’m Not A Witch, But I Cook Like One”

COCKTAILS RANDY CONNOLLY

This final recipe is particularly student-friendly, as it involves using the cut-away flesh of your beautifully carved pumpkins! Pumpkin Vodka!: © Cut the skinless pumpkin into 1inch cubes and bake in an oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes. © Then add the pumpkin to your bottle of vodka. © Raid your flat’s rarely used spice collection to see if you have any cinnamon sticks or ginger, and add them if they’re available! © Put the lid back on and leave for a week at room temperature, shaking once a day. After that, strain out the solids. Serve with lots of ice!

I have a friend who is scared of Halloween. She is scared of the ghouls that parade drunkenly on Park Street, the small children that come to her doorstep asking her for sweets and the ghosts, ghouls and horror stories that are thrust into everyday life at this time. For me Halloween marks the start of Winter. I feel the need to have gloves and an umbrella in my bag just in case, and crave comfort food rather than just simple food.

Around this time is when I start to feature broths and soups in my diet. A crock pot, electrical or the good old fashioned hob ones can last you a lifetime and are a worthy investment to your kitchen equipment for about £15.

The recipe I’ll be making on Halloween to comfort my poor friend is an old school and chunky stew. My granny would be proud – and cheap considering how many portions (up to ten portions depending how greedy you and your friends are) you’ll be able to make for about £10.

Also, plonking all the ingredients together over the stove makes it feel like you’re making a witches broth, or maybe that’s just me?

© Get around £5 worth of beef stew meat cut into 1 inch cubes and place on a layer of olive oil at the bottom of the crock pot whilst warming on the second lowest heat. © Get a pack of mushrooms and cut them in half and place on top of the meat.

Trim a pack of baby carrots, whilst adding two large parsnips peeled and sliced lengthwise with two large onions roughly chopped. © Meanwhile, melt any three stock cubes of your choice in a bowl and a half cup of water. Add three tablespoons of tomato puree, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, three smashed garlic cloves and the most generous addition of pepper you’ll ever sprinkle in your life. © Lastly three smashed cloves with around five small potatoes and a handful of frozen peas and sprinkle a tablespoon of cayenne pepper and ground allspice for luck. © Leave to gently bubble on the lowest heat for three and a half hours, stirring every twenty to thirty minutes.

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Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02

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LIFESTYLE

Cultural Origins : Of Halloween

DAY OF THE DEAD SAM ANTONIO

MADALINA CIOBANU

comment@westerneye.net

October is upon us, which not only marks the beginning of a new academic year and the settling in of the autumn season.

It’s the month which includes one of the most popular holidays - Halloween. We all enjoy Halloween, with its frightening costumes, themed candy and spooky garlands, but how much do we know about this holiday’s origins?

A contraction of ‘All Hallows’

By the beginning of the 20th century it became a widespread celebration, adopted by people of all social, religious and racial backgrounds Evening’ or ‘All Hallows’ Eve’, the 16th century Scottish-derived name ‘Halloween’ is celebrated on the 31st of October. In the liturgical year, this time marks the reminiscence of the dead, including saints and martyrs. There is an ongoing debate, sparked by some scholars’ belief that this holiday is a Christianized feast originating in the Western European harvest festivals and others’ who attest to its pagan roots. Believed to have strong Celtic influences, this celebration is closest linked to ‘Samhain’, a Celtic festival celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, which marks the end of the harvest season and the

beginning of winter. It was seen as a homecoming feast of departed souls and spirits. However, harmful spirits were also believed to attend, which is why people took cautionary measures such as lighting bonfires in order to protect and cleanse themselves.

In terms of Christian influences, Halloween falls on the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows’ Day, also known as All Saints’ (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), thus becoming All Hallows ‘Eve. These three days are referred to as ‘Hallowmas’ and honor saints, proving as an opportunity of prayer for the recently departed souls that have yet to reach Heaven. All Saints’ was first celebrated in 609, usually on May 13th, but Pope Gregory IV suggested switching its celebration date to November 1st in 835.

They became holy days of obligation across Europe by the end of the 12th century, involving customs such as church bell-ringing and ‘souling’, which involved the baking and sharing of soul cakes for all christened souls.

This is believed to be the origin of trick-or-treating. The tradition of dressing up in costumes originated from the fact that All Hallows’ Eve provided a last opportunity for souls looking to gain vengeance on their enemies.

In order to protect themselves, people would wear masks and costumes to conceal their identities. There have been suggestions that the popular jack-o’-lantern symbol originally represented the souls of the dead. In Britain, Halloween’s popularity diminished considerably with the appearance in 1605 of Guy Fawkes Night (November 5th), with only Scotland and Ireland keeping the celebration, as it had roots as

Harmful spirits were also believed to attend, which is why people took cautionary measures such as lighting bonfires in order to protect and cleanse themselves deep as the Middle Ages.

We often hear the origins of Halloween attributed to the American culture, yet early 18th and 19th century North American documents give no mention of the celebration. It was actually the mass Irish and Scottish immigration of the 19th century that brought Halloween to North America, as the Puritans of New England maintained a strong opposition to it. Although strictly confined to immigrant communities at first, by the beginning of the 20th century it became a widespread celebration, adopted by people of all social, religious and racial backgrounds.

The most well-known symbol of Halloween is the jack-o’lantern, which is traditionally carried while trick-or-treating in order to keep evil spirits away. In Ireland and Scotland the turnip used to precede the pumpkin, but North Americans use the pumpkin due to its size and softness, which makes it easier to carve.

The year 1837 marks the tradition of pumpkin-carving associated with the harvest season and it only became associated with Halloween in the mid-to-late 19th century. Other elements are also viewed as symbols, such as corn husks and scarecrows - usually anything that depicts themes of death, evil and myth. In terms of color, this holiday is predominantly associated with orange and black.

Halloween costumes are traditionally inspired from frightening characters or entities, such as ghosts, monsters, skeletons, witches etc. Dressing up in costumes and going ‘guising’ was a custom in 19th century Ireland and Scotland and didn’t reach the United States until early in the 20th century. Along with this started the commercialization of other types of costumes, those inspired from celebrities, princesses and popular movie/cartoon characters. ‘Guising’ or ‘trick-ortreating’ is customarily a children celebration on Halloween, when children go in costume from door to door, asking for treats such as candy, with the question of ‘Trick or treat?’ The ‘trick’ part is seen as a ‘threat’- if no treats shall be given, the homeowners face the possibility of mischief on their property.

In terms of food, as Halloween is associated with the harvesting of apples, candy, caramel or

Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02 taffy apples are famous treats. ‘Pangangaluluwa’, a local version In modern Ireland, the custom of ‘souling’, in which groups of baking a ‘barmbrack’ still of people perform a song in persists. This consists of baking exchange for money or food. In a fruitcake, into which a charm Singapore, the ‘Hungry Ghosts is placed. The lucky finder of the Festival’, a Chinese variation of charm is believed to find true Halloween is celebrated during love during the course of the lunar seventh month, when year. Other popular foods include supposedly hell opens its gates caramel corn, candy pumpkins, for spirits to re-visit their families. candy shaped like skulls, bats etc., Romania’s Halloween celebrapumpkin pie and soul cakes. tions are centered on the myth Although these are the main of ‘Dracula’ and are held in the features, symbols and custom Sighisoara citadel, Dracula’s place celebrations of Halloween, as of birth, and these are just a few. the holiday has spread around Halloween’s origins have deep the globe, it has been personal- roots in today’s culture and sociized by different countries and ety, and you’ll be able to enjoy it civilizations. The Philippines on the 31st of October regardless still celebrates something called of whether you prefer traditional or modern festivities.

Bristol’s Most Haunted..

Places that you might want go (or avoid) on this years’ Halloween...

OLIVIA GARNER

comment@westerneye.net

Bristol is a historic city with roots that can be traced back to 60,000 years to the Palaeolithic era. It is now a modern flourishing city however many believe that this rich history may be the cause of some creepy occurrences in many sites around Bristol. Ghosts hunters, paranormal experts and even Yvette Fielding from the popular TV show ‘Most Haunted’ seem to think there may be some truth in the claims. Whether or not you believe in such things these historical buildings may be interesting to visit, read about or make a good scary story this Halloween.

The Christmas Steps Bristol BS1 5BS The Christmas steps were built in 1669 funded by Jonathan Blackwell. It has had many names over the centuries including Lonsford’s stairs (after an officer died there during the English Civil War), Queen street and also Knyfesmyth street. As it was near to the harbour it is generally known that the Christmas steps was an area filled with bar’s and brothels but this is not the only interesting aspect to its legacy.

There are also legends of ghosts that haunt the walk way including that of a Victorian female. Some have reportedly heard a person walking up the stairs behind them only to turn and see nobody there.

Is it the old fashioned Victorian street lighting causing tricks or is this a true ghostly ‘hot spot’?

The Hatchet Inn 27-29 Frogmore Street, Bristol, BS1 5NA The Hatchet Inn is a 400 year old pub dating back to 1606 situated in Bristol’s city centre. It is now a Grade II listed building and a hub of alternative nightlife

which in a sense it has always welcomed. It is supposed to have been a regularly visited place by pirates and later housed a cock fighting pit and bare knuckle boxing. Its claim to being one of Bristol’s most haunted places revolves around its rather creepy front door. Legend has it that underneath the black tar that coats it the door is covered with layer upon layer of human skin. It is also supposed to have a haunted basement – one can’t help but think that the basement and front door might be linked to the same unfortunate ghost?

The Dower House Stoke Park Estate, Bristol, BS16 1AU The Dower House is a familiar sight for many getting the bus to Frenchay campus but many are unaware of its history or ghostly legend. It is now a Hotel and a Grade II listed building.

The Dower House dates back to 1553 and was built by Sir Richard Berkeley. After 1760 it became the Dower House of the Dukes of Beaufort and their families.

It is rumoured to be haunted by Elizabeth Somerset who was the 17 year old daughter of the fourth Duke of Beaufort. She went out riding, her horse was scared by a fox and she fell and broke her neck. Ever since there have been reports of people hearing horses hooves around the Stoke Park Estate when no horses have been in the park for many, many years. Also a ghostly figure of a woman in 18th century dress has been spotted who many believe to be Elizabeth. It was used as Stoke Park Mental Hospital from 1909 until 1988 and many report supernatural happenings within the main building itself which could, to believers, be attributed to deceased inmates of the old hospital.

Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02

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LIFESTYLE

Mentally disadvantaged MENTAL HEALTH LUKE CARTER

representatives of the superstore or the inpatient?

SHONAGH POYNTER

comment@westerneye.net

Picking a Halloween costume for some is the spectacle of the year. Why not out humour your friends by going as a used sanitary towel, because nobody has done that before? Maybe go as the zombie bride and blend in with all the other sad, lonely corpses jilted at the altar. How about that ‘mental patient’ costume in Asda and Tesco? Why didn’t I think of this before? Well, for very good reason presumably (hopefully!

Recently, both leading brands Asda and Tesco released ‘psycho ward’ Halloween costumes. For around twenty pounds it included ragged clothing, a fake meat cleaver, pseudo blood and a jaw restraint amongst other charming features. It truly compromises the true horror! Not because the mental patient is universally feared nowadays alongside that girl with cystic acne who keeps giving you the wink in class and popping up out of hedges on your travels, but because whoever sat in a boardroom meeting discussing this proposal genuinely thought that this was a tremendous notion. Terrifying!

“Everyone will be running away from you in fear in this mental patient fancy dress!”

Asda claimed. To say that this is an outdated perception of mental health is quite the understatement. If we’re travelling back to the 18th century and highlighting the entirely petrifying

(i.e. smashing those prehistoric stereotypes), then I shall skip the buzz of the mental health patient and eagerly wait for the homosexual costume to arrive in store.

Failing that, I can only hope that they release ‘the black man’ or god forbid ‘the career – minded, independent woman’; because nothing is scarier than the female who opts for professional success over all the wonders that only a hubby and child - bearing entitles

to many. Significantly, depression affects 1 in 5 older people.

And, of course, whilst albeit mental health is much more difficult to decipher compared to physical health in which can be observed and monitored more clearly, globally it is still a wholly relative concept; it is dependent upon time and culture what we view to be an a mental condition.

For instance, up until shockingly recently, homosexuality was still

Tesco and Asda are suggesting that 25% of the country voluntarily drag an axe around to slaughter civilians with you to; why, they must have been deemed to be a mental illness and summoned by Satan himself. For was only decriminalised in 1967. just £15.99, they’ll chuck in a free The way in which it has been public stoning and witchcraft depicted suggests that each of trial, too! these unique individuals, subject So what really encapsulates to the wrath of any form of the present mental patient? mental disorder, are all categoriNothing. At least nothing relating cally axe – wielding, serial killers. to physical appearance anyway. Slight generalisation, I think so?

As the term would suggest, it is Further statistics according to the inner workings of an indi- the mental health foundation, on vidual’s mentality that in fact the facts and figures surroundrender a person to be mentally ing mental health are alarming in ill and occasionally consequently how common it is to encounter. 1 sectioned. Even then, conditions in 4 people in the UK will experiare so diverse and numerous that ence some kind of mental health to encapsulate all of them into a problem in the course of the year. single body of costume is simply Subsequently, Tesco and Asda are impossible. Let alone taking into suggesting that 25% of the counconsideration the vast spectrum try voluntarily drag an axe around at hand; some conditions being to slaughter civilians with! far more severe than others. Vast What these supposed family magnitudes of people suffer from – orientated companies failed to mental impairments in which recognise is exactly just how many still allow them to carry out people they would be offending. their lives and perform phenom- That is not just to mention those enal things. Exhibit A: Stephen who themselves directly have to Fry, who openly talks about the endure a condition but all others depths of his bi – polar disorder. indirectly affected, of which have Exhibit B: Ruby Wax, whose inner worked so hard to challenge battles with depression is known the stigma surrounding mental

health only for these chumps to metaphorically dump all over their triumphs.

What is this teaching children roaming around these supermarkets? Schools work incredibly hard to derive children of intolerant discrimination based on false stereotypes, whilst they’re then simultaneously being presented with this paradoxical image during shopping outings. Mental health is not entirely taboo in modern society, and certainly it is not as taboo as it once was, but that is not to say that it still doesn’t carry certain presumptions and negative attitudes in response to it. Merton coined the self fulfilling prophecy, in which highlights the dangers of labelling people; when a person is labelled as something, they begin to act up to the way in which they are perceived. Mental health patients thus may be quick to think that there is no point in them trying to get better on our accord, and that is utterly heartbreaking.

Many have stated that this is a mass undoing of all of this hard work, while some have argued this to be a blessing in disguise. Issues of stigma are being publicly scrutinised and perhaps opening old wounds is a way of reminding people that it is still very much a problem we must face; rarely does an organic opportunity for fighting stigma arise. I can see both sides to this.

However, the remarks I encountered made by everyday people on social networking reassured me that the majority similarly found it to be utterly repugnant. One of my absolute favourite replies on Twitter was a former inpatient who sent in a photo of her on her wedding day, glowing and happy. Similarly, other sufferers rivalled the cause by posting

pictures of them wearing t-shirts and jeans, just going about their daily business.

Sure, both stores issued generic and ‘meaningful’ apologies along with a large charity donation.

But realistically, the damage has already been caused. In some ways, we are so advanced as a culture.

But sometimes it takes controversies like such to remind us that, despite the modern technological and scientific advancements (cue the flying cars!); we still have a long way to go in overcoming prejudices and social attitudes from the Dark Ages. If we’re going to make crashing generalisations, then I can only hope that mental health sufferers do not retaliate by dubbing all those who are supposedly sound of mind under the umbrella of the morons who delivered this product idea.

The irony of the situation is that really the only ones who seem cognitively disadvantaged to me are the product designers at Tesco and Asda, whom are so evidently ignorant and insensitive towards the feelings of at least a quarter of the nation in which they are trying to sell products to.

Market research? No? Maybe next time!

We still have a long way to go in overcoming prejudices and social attitudes from the Dark Ages

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Western Eye 10.13 – Issue 02

A R T S & FA S H I O N

A/W fashion trends

With the colder months closing in on us, it’s time to start thinking about your winter wardrobes. Fortunately, Bristol Fashion Week returned to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway once again to guide us on all of the hottest styles and trends for Autumn/Winter 2013. Held between the 25 – 29th JILL ALGER

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Bristol Fashion Week is the perfect opportunity to wise up on how to keep on-trend in the upcoming seasons. September and featuring 18 catwalk shows and a wide scope of brands. We were lucky enough to get press passes to the event, and having been wowed by the A/W collections of many high street brands, we have come to the conclusion that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to look amazing — great news for us students! There were several standout trends displayed in the show ready for the approaching months, so we thought we’d give you a heads up so you know what to look out for on your next shopping spree. There’s no escaping the cold weather, so we might as well embrace it and look good in the process.

White Winter

Animal prints

Winter Florals

There’s no denying that Autumn/Winter are the partying months, and there’s nothing quite as good as enjoying the festivities dressed from head-to-toe in as many sequins and glitter as one dress can hold. It’s the one time of year us girls can feel red carpet-worthy — so why waste the opportunity?!

IMAGE THE MALL CRIBBS CAUSEWAY

Another trend that is getting us jumping around with excitement for the festive season (despite it only being October) is the Winter Whites which are currently coating the stores like snow. White never fails to look elegant and stylish and let’s face it — who doesn’t want a white Christmas?!

Embellishment Tartan IMAGE BOB SINGLETON

One of the main trends that stood out on the catwalk was tartan. Whether that’s tartan trousers, blazers, or even kilts! This Autumn/Winter is all about channelling our inner Scottishness.

Red

If you’re a lover of all things floral then don’t panic — even though summer is becoming a distant memory, the catwalk has confirmed that we can continue to cloth ourselves in our feminine favourites. Just set aside the pastel colours and make sure they are darker and warmer in tone and you’ll be good to go.

IMAGE MISS SELFRIDGE

All Miss Selfridge, £TBC

IMAGE BOB SINGLETON

There’s no denying that Autumn/Winter are the partying months, and there’s nothing quite as good as enjoying the festivities dressed from head-to-toe in as many sequins and glitter as one dress can hold. It’s the one time of year us girls can feel red carpet-worthy — so why waste the opportunity?!

IMAGE JILL ALGER

There’s no denying that Autumn/Winter are the partying months, and there’s nothing quite as good as enjoying the festivities dressed from headto-toe in as many sequins and glitter as one dress can hold. It’s the one time of year us girls can feel red carpet-worthy — so why waste the opportunity?!

IMAGEWALLIS

Coat – Wallis, £99

IMAGEDOROTHY

Coat – Dorothy Perkins, £59

Western Eye 10.13 — Issue 02

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A R T S & FA S H I O N

Huge look into the eyes of the prize winners The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize wows Bristol audiences

JILL ALGER

comment@westerneye.net

Following the success of the highly acclaimed Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2012 at the National Portrait Gallery, London, the exhibition is now showing its face in Bristol.

Featuring 60 outstanding portraits of the works of some of the most talented emerging young photographers, established professionals, photography students and gifted amateurs, this exhibition is one not to be missed. Last year 5,340 submissions were entered by 2,352 photographers, all hoping for one of 60 places, and having run their course at the National Portrait Gallery, the chosen ones are now being displayed at Bristol’s M Shed. the world,” says Julie Finch, head of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives. “This will be the first time the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize has been seen in Bristol and I’m delighted M Shed is hosting this prestigious exhibition. Councillor Simon Cook, assistant mayor with responsibility for culture, added:

This is a rare opportunity to see the very best in contemporary portrait photography from around the world

Earlier in the year, five UWE Bristol photography students joined a group of 13 Young Curators aged between 18 and 25 from Knowle West Media Centre and Young Arnolfini, and helped to develop and market the exhibition for the Bristol Museum.

The Young Curators informed the hang of the portrait prize and examined the effects of hanging photographs in different ways in terms of how they would be received by the spectator.

This is a rare opportunity to see the very best in contemporary portrait photography from around the world,” says Julie Finch, head of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives. “This will be the first time the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize has been seen in Bristol and I’m delighted M Shed is hosting this prestigious exhibition. Councillor Simon Cook, assistant mayor with responsibility for culture, added: This exhibition captures famous faces as well as intimate moments and many of the portraits will leave the viewer wanting to find out more. Our thanks must go to the National Portrait Gallery and Taylor Wessing, sponsors of the competition. Our partnership with the National Portrait Gallery goes from strength to strength and having this exhibition – exclusive to Bristol - demonstrates the many benefits effective partnership working brings. Earlier in the year, five UWE Bristol photography students joined a group of 13 Young Curators aged between 18

and 25 from Knowle West Media Centre and Young Arnolfini, and helped to develop and market the exhibition for the Bristol Museum. The Young Curators informed the hang of the portrait prize and examined the effects of hanging photographs in different ways in terms of how they would be received by the spectator.

The group also helped the Bristol Museum’s marketing services in order to help attract other young people to the exhibition. Art can often be brushed off as being ‘boring’ to the younger generation, but this is an event that has something for people of all ages and is truly eye-opening, regardless of your background or interests. Some of the members of the group also made audio recordings about the photographs that they felt had a meaning to them, which highlights the subjectivity of the pieces. Visitors will be able to listen to these audios via QR codes in the gallery using their smart phones.

(M Shed). The Taylor Wessing

This is a rare opportunity to see the very best in contemporary portrait photography from around the world

Photographic Portrait Prize 2012 has been at M Shed since Saturday 20 July, and will run until Sunday 3 November, so make sure you check it out while you can.

Visitors have a choice to pay what they think the exhibition is worth to them, payment is discretionary.