The FAM Project
The Cambridge Dictionary describes FAM as:
UK slang:
“a very close friend, or a group of very close friends"
The FAM project is an exploration of the word FAM and how as a young person who grew up in East London, I convey the word through portraiture.
Much of my photographic work explores the notions of identity and belonging within communities and the families we grow up around. I research the history and the lives of the people who came before us and how they have impacted the generations before them, but I had not stopped to think of the present times we live in and how delicate life can be.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a reminder to love and appreciate our families, but it was isolation that caused great loneliness. During this time, the FAM project was created by Photofusion’s organisation Sorry2AnnoyYou. Online workshops, photography talks and lectures gave me a focus to stay creative during turbulent times.
It was from this that I began to explore how the friendships surrounding us are reflections of our chosen family, separate from the ones we grow up around. We create our own communities where friendships thrive.
Through portraiture, I have captured the individuals who have positively impacted my life and continue to do so. These photographs are merely a glimpse at the connections I hold and I aim to continue to photograph the people who are my family.
FAM, family, blood, people, tribe, clan, cuz… I don’t believe a single definition could encapsulate the true meaning to me.
What does FAM mean to you?
The Breakthrough Funding Grant presents
The Untold Waltham Forest exhibition
Presenting THE UNTOLD WALTHAM FOREST an interdisciplinary group exhibition showcasing emerging creatives that are based in Waltham Forest. This showcase highlights the importance of togetherness, community and cooperation, producing a space for creatives to co-exist and thrive.
The BreakThrough Fund, an initiative run by Waltham Forest Council, followed a group of artists over the course of 2021 and 2022. Each artist was given funding and support to develop, grow and strengthen their creative practice. This ranged from monthly seminars, to advice from industry specialists and finally the opportunity toexhibit and share their work at the end of the programme.
THE UNTOLD WALTHAM FOREST is the culmination of the work created during this year by local artists, Alisha Dar, Jasmine Brown-Rasé, Cindy B, Hologlam and K’Rose.
The FAM Project was selected to be funded and showcased in The Winns Gallery for the Untold Waltham Forest exhibition, taking place on 26/03/2022.