Two photographers interpret displacement in two very differing ways. One interprets displacement as a stark contrast between the old and new, the urban and rural, whereas the other delves inward dissecting his dual heritage and identity.
Rubble Without a Cause
On a road trip through the Joshua Tree Desert, photographer Freddie Grant took this image.
The rubble was cornered off by cones, with no visible intent on removal, damage or repair, which to Freddie relates to the idea of displacement. Where had the rubble come from? Why had it been left there in such a haphazard manner? Why had this pile of rubble been ignored in plain sight? These were all questions that came to mind.
“It was on my first trip to Joshua Tree and the West Coast of America where I took these photos. I was overwhelmed by the vast landscape of the desert and how this contrasts to what I’m used to – busy London.”
I took these photos on 35mm film. The sheer size of the valley combined with unusual plants makes this desert landscape one to be in awe of. I found the warm tones colour and grain of analogue film added to the prehistoric look of the landscape. This touches on the theme of displacement as it contrasts to the everyday modern life we’re used to, as well as showing displacement in the photos themselves.
Cee’s Pickney
This photograph are part of photographer Korrie Powell’s ongoing and unreleased series ‘Cee’s Pickney’ that examines his mixed identity. The above photograph was taken in Negril, Westmoreland parish back during Korrie’s 2018 senior homecoming trip to his families motherland Jamaica.
“As someone who is 1st generation, British-Jamaican I found myself in a strange place of displacement between the two lands during my early years as I felt tied to London by birth but my culture was always in Jamaica.”
I had been back to Jamaica twice (1998 & 2009) before 2018 which helped me to develop a sense of what my native culture felt like and showed me how drastically different being black in Jamaica was more of a positive experience compared to London.
During my 2018 trip, I had the opportunity to explore the land more which brings me to the first picture taken at the iconic Ricks Cafe. After a long day of exploring I came to this place and took the opportunity to sit down and appreciate the sunset, reflecting back on this moment despite knowing that I would have to leave Jamaica for London in a few days I knew that my connection for my native land would always be present within me from its energy, to the meaningful conversations and the genuine love people radiate, it would always be there.