Now in its 10th edition, British Journal of Photography’s International Photography Awards are one of the world’s leading showcases for contemporary photographic talent.
One of the marquee prizes IPA winners will receive is a two-week exhibition of their work at TJ Boulting, a central London gallery with a reputation for hosting daring, challenging art of all disciplines.
Hannah Watson is director of TJ Boulting Gallery and publishing house Trolley Books, and is also on the elite IPA judging panel. She has worked with some of the best photographers in the world, including Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin, Alex Majoli and Philip Jones Griffiths, and has a reputation for publishing exceptional stories in photography, photojournalism and contemporary art. TJ Boulting is a gallery that works with all disciplines and not just photography, so how does she see photography in relation to other kinds of work?
“I think of photography as any other medium. I’m looking forward to seeing work which is not prescribed photography. I think photography can restrict itself, if you start thinking like that. In art schools now, you can do drawing and it will cover film, photography, painting. Medium is more liberating now.”
Photographers are usually concerned with exactitude, thinking about how their images will be displayed. Watson, well-versed with artists of all disciplines, is respectful of ensuring the exhibition is a true reflection of the intent of the photographer. As she explains, last year’s Series winner, Dominic Hawgood had a specific idea of what he wanted, and the gallery was able to translate them into form.
“Dominic had quite a complex idea of what he wanted, involving computer renders and an intricate plan of how he wanted it to look. But I wouldn’t expect everyone to be like that, that was the level of input that he needed but other photographers might have more straightforward ideas. I’m here to advise, consult, and help in any capacity I can.”
There are two rooms – they have the space and they can do what they like with it (within budget, of course). I like to think that when the artist comes here, they can respond to the space and apply it to what they want to do with their own work and it will create something quite interesting.”
The deadline for applications for the 2019 edition of BJP International Photography Award is 20 December 2018 – 4pm GMT. Apply now!
