artphotocollector:

“We tremble at the feelings we experience as our sense of wholeness is reorganized by what we see.”—Emmet Gowin

The Finnish-born photographer Sirkka-Liisa Kontinnen is once again garnering the attention she merits. Experiencing something of a notoriety renaissance for her “Byker” series from the late 60’s/70’s (currently on view at L. Parker Stephenson Photographs until May 11th), it’s exciting to see Ms. Kontinnen reaching new audiences. 

Kontinnen’s images, taken within the communities of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, sought to capture the humor and dignity of working-class Geordie culture as they, like other poor neighborhoods in the north of England, saw their homes devastated by developers keen to tear down the “slums” and replace them with architectural and planning fantasies that bore no connection to the people actually living there. Kontinnen and friends, as part of the Amber Collective, traveled to Byker and documented the impact over a ten year period. These photographs should, therefore, be understood for their political and social undertones.

Aside from their didactic message, Kontinnen’s images possess the power of intimacy and connection. The wonderful compositions and tonal ranges add to their beauty; however, it is the emotive energy in the images that sets them apart. I, for one, feel the love. —Lane Nevares