REVIVAL, LONDON 1989-1993
Roy Mehta photographs
Curated by Laura Noble
Revival presents documentary work made by Roy Mehta over thirty years ago, in Brent between 1989 -1993. The exhibition explores the borough’s rich community history through culture, faith and heritage. Amongst the photographs are portraits of individuals, groups, landscapes and interiors.
Mehta made the work early in his career, exploring the diversity and changing nature of his own London borough. Over the intervening years, he has worked in the UK and internationally as an artist, photographer and educator. But his own project work has often been drawn back to the ideas presented here: of cultural identity and belonging reflecting his parents’ journey to Wembley from India.
Recently rediscovered, many of these images have never been on public display before. Brent 2020 London Borough of Cultures has made it possible to bring this work back home, to Willesden Library. A digital archive of Revival has been gifted to the borough and it has now become a permanent part of the Brent Museum and Archives collection.
The work asks us to see and celebrate different communities and to share the everyday divinity of our common humanity. The exhibition is being presented in the heart of the community in which the work was originally made. Shot from 1989-1993, the images move from profound moments of faith to quiet family moments and into the noisy streets outside, reminding us that every moment is an opportunity for connection and reflection.
A photobook to accompany this exhibition was published by Hoxton Mini Press with introductory essays from the director of the Autograph gallery Mark Sealy and novelist and playwright Caryl Phillips.
“These photographs, as an offering to a community, invite us to share the atmosphere of a subject’s inner being. They are charged with signs of care compassion and faith.”- Dr. Mark Sealy OBE, Director Autograph
To see more of this series and learn about this extraordinary project visit his LANG artist page here.
Exhibition dates: 18 March - 5 June 2022
Venue: Brent Museum and Archives
Address: 2nd Floor, Exhibition Space
Brent Museum Archives
95 High Rd,
London NW10 2SF
Gallery Opening Times:
Monday - Friday 10.30 - 20:00
Saturday - 10:30 - 17:00
Sunday - 12:00 -17:00