23 April 2007

Art student searches for strangers she snapped

A University of Dundee art student is searching for the strangers she photographed on the streets of Dundee.

Elizabeth Hinley, who is set to graduate from Duncan of Jordanstone, spent months approaching 146 people in the centre of town and asking them to describe themselves in three words. Now she wants anyone who thinks they were photographed by her to get in touch - or to come and see her work when it is displayed at the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show next month.

Elizabeth, 30, says, "I’m especially keen to find an older West Indian gentleman called Isaac. He had such an emotive face and I’d love for him to see himself as part of the work at the degree show."

"Some of those people were random but others were chosen because their appearance meant people would have preconceived ideas about them."

"For example," explains Elizabeth, "I approached Muslim women and asked them what their favourite TV programme was. It turns out they watch Lost and Prison Break just like everyone else, but I think people would have assumed that there was a culture gap in viewing habits. I also approached youths in hooded tops - they are derided by the press, but when asked who they respect, most said a family member. I want to show that you shouldn’t judge people quickly, it is worth going a little deeper."

"The project started because my fiancé has tattoos down his arms and often has his hair in a Mohican. Because I look quite traditional, people find me easier to approach then him."

"One day I asked him what made him cry. He told me that when he started his new job, working off shore, he had to give his cats away. People would never think, to look at him, that he would own a cat, much less care if they had to be given away."

Elizabeth’s work will be displayed at the degree show as four huge prints of people she has photographed with the words they used to describe themselves. She will also project pictures on to a space and has created hand made books with no text other than the words of the people she pictures.

If you think you had your photo taken by Elizabeth, email her on e.hinley@dundee.ac.uk or on 07940 838757.

Dundee Degree Show
19 - 26 May 2007
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee, 13 Perth Road
T 01382 345330 E exhibitions@dundee.ac.uk
www.exhibitions.dundee.ac.uk

EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Friday 18 May 6.30pm-9.30pm
Exhibition open:
Saturday 19 May 9.30am-4.30pm
Sunday 20 May 9.30am-4.30pm
Monday-Friday 9.30am-8.30pm
Saturday 26 May 9.30am-2.00pm

For media enquiries contact:
Anna Day
Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk