Photographic exhibitions: Hope through the lens of Jim Grover

This March, St James Church, Clapham, who have recently staged two major photographic exhibitions, will stage a new exhibition of 150-200 photographs and artworks portraying the theme of hope.

The exhibition is the centrepiece of St James’ Festival of Hope, which is part of the broader Hope 2020 programme being offered by churches in Clapham Park.

The photographs and artworks have been created for the exhibition by a cross-section of the local community.

Contributors include Clapham residents in their 90s, teenagers, families, children from the local Iqra Primary School, and visitors to the Clapham-based Ace of Clubs, which offers day centre services for the homeless and vulnerable, and which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Contributors were asked to submit photographs or create artworks that, for them, portrayed the theme of hope.

The resulting exhibition features a wonderful diversity of inspiring and creative imagery.

Visitors to the exhibition will be asked to nominate their favourite images and artworks with prizes being awarded to the most popular.

As part of the exhibition, award-winning local photographer Jim Grover, creator of the acclaimed photo-stories, Windrush: Portrait of a Generation and Here Am I will also exhibit a new body of work, Hope through the lens of Jim Grover – all of the photographs have been taken in and around Clapham.

The Reverend Kit Gunasekera, vicar of St James, Clapham, said: “Hope is something we all need and long for.

“I am so delighted that such a diverse breadth of local people and groups are participating in our exhibition of photos and artwork, and am especially delighted to have the involvement of the Iqra Primary School and the Ace of Clubs.

“I very much hope that exhibition visitors will leave with renewed hope in their lives.”

Photographer Jim Grover, who is organising the overall exhibition, said: “It’s incredible the imagery that can now be created on mobile phones; everyone is an artist.

“Last year, the global Prix Pictet photography prize was won by a series of images taken on a mobile phone, which just shows what’s possible.

“I am really looking forward to seeing and exhibiting our community’s creativity; exhibition visitors can be sure of experiencing a wonderful variety of portrayals of hope.”