THE PHOTOGRAPHER IS ME
THE PHOTOGRAPHER IS ME Co-authored by Nathan, Alberto, Busie, Hassan, Anonymous, Wiam and Fady.
Nathan McGill (b.2000) is an emerging visual artist, writer and curator based in the United Kingdom. McGill utilises the medium of photography to produce socially engaged projects that explore the interrelationship between people and place. His photographic work highlights and is inspired by themes of identity politics, migration, urbanisation, anthropology, collaboration, and memory. McGill’s most recent body of work ‘The Photographer Is Me’ is a participatory arts photography project in collaboration with a community of West Midlands based asylum seekers. Catalysed by the desire to shift the power dynamic within photography, the project set out to host virtual workshops with intent to educate, inform and cultivate a safe space for participants to express their creativity. Via the combination of participant photographs, emulsion lifts, oral storytelling and artist portraits – the project has realised into a photobook co-authored by McGill and his participants. Individuals seeking asylum in Britain often live on the margins of society after fleeing their native country, their life has been catapulted from one nation to another. Yet, even as they find comfort in Britain, they are met with the hostile environment imposed by the British government. It was always important to support the participants creative development through such a creative service that is often not provided to individuals seeking asylum.
Alberto, Cannon Hill Park - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Northfield Cemetery - Alberto, 2021.
“ I like to read the words on the gravestones. In some ways it allows me to read about the history Who was there, and who that person was. Its lovely, a little bit sad, but lovely. ” Alberto, 2021.
Flowers by the old peoples home - Alberto, 2021.
The flowers are like wallpaper on the floor - Alberto, 2021.
Polaroid emulsion lift - Alberto, 2021.
Alberto, Cannon Hill Park - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Busie in her community garden - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Moor Street bus stop - Busie, 2021.
Decorating the sofa with my pink teddy - Busie, 2021.
Polaroid emulsion lift - Busie, 2021.
Busie in her community garden - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Busie, at home - Nathan McGill, 2021.
“ I wanted to use the camera so I could photograph the area I live, so I can remember the home and area I lived in if I ever have to move in the future. ” Busie, 2021.
Hassan, St Paul’s Church - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish - Hassan, 2021.
Polaroid emulsion lift - Hassan, 2021.
I don’t like rubbish in nature - Hassan, 2021.
Hassan, St Paul’s Church - Nathan McGill, 2021.
“ My cross on the wall. My faith is important, it changed my life. Now I have a father, God is my father. ” Hassan, 2021.
My bathroom - Hassan, 2021.
Hassan, St Paul’s Church - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Anonymous, Birmingham - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Coventry city centre - Anonymous, 2021.
Coventry city centre - Anonymous, 2021.
Polaroid emulsion lift - Anonymous, 2021.
“ I spend most of my time in this park because it is near my college, and near the hospital I go to. When I go I take food for the birds, and just relax. ” Anonymous, 2021.
Inside Coventry College - Anonymous, 2021.
Coventry College - Anonymous, 2021.
Anonymous, Birmingham - Nathan McGill. 2021.
“ In ten years time I see myself having my own company in events management, and hopefully I will have completed a master’s degree. ” Anonymous, 2021.
Wiam and Fady, at home - Nathan McGill, 2021.
“ I was attempting to photograph the cemetery and church behind the bars. I enjoy visiting churches to view the architecture. In Lebanon, the churches are mostly new, and a lot smaller. ” Wiam, 2021.
This month will be our seven year anniversary - Wiam and Fady, 2021.
Wiam and Fady, at home - Nathan McGill, 2021.
A drawing of Jesus by Fady - Wiam and Fady, 2021.
Furnishings for our home - Wiam and Fady, 2021.
Here it is all snow - Wiam and Fady, 2021.
I forgot about the flash - Wiam, 2021.
Don’t you dare take the photo - Fady, 2021.
Polaroid emulsion lift of Wiam - Fady, 2021.
Polaroid emulsion lift of Fady - Wiam, 2021.
Wiam, at home - Nathan McGill, 2021.
Fady, at home - Nathan McGill, 2021.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This work could not have been possible without the participation of Alberto, Busie, Hassan, Anonymous, Wiam and Fady. Alongside the contribution and attendance to our virtual workshops by several other participants who have decided not to feature their photographs in this book. At many points during the production of this project, I have received incredible support and advice from: John Hillman, Ravi Deepres, Jane Thakoordin, Bethany Slinn, Margaret Murray and Rosa Simonet. Thank you for your encouragement and generous advice. To the team at Beatfreeks, thank you for successfully awarding me with funding to produce this book - without that, this book would remain in a digital sphere rather than physical. Nathan McGill, June 2021