SHOW AND TELL EXHIBITION
‘How Are You Feeling?’
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we invited 10-18 year olds from across the UK to watch the Show and Tell workshop films, practice their new mindful photography skills and bring their emotions to life with a photograph for the Show and Tell exhibition.
These extraordinary words and photos are their story of an endless pandemic and how it really feels to be young and in lockdown.
In my photo, light overshadows the darkness. This light symbolises that even though times are hard, you still have happiness inside of you. It also symbolises that one person can make a difference by speaking out, instead of standing by and watching it happen.
When you don't agree with life's path, make your own.
I feel like life has put us all through so much that maybe it's time to look at things from a different angle and follow a new path. I have hope in the future and what it will bring.
'A feeling I have been feeling too during this new life experience’.
This picture reminded me of the word 'hope' because there were brightly coloured buds growing out of all of these rocks and weeds.
People say that life is short but it's the longest thing you'll ever witness in lockdown, I feel like time has stretched and the seconds seem like minutes, the minutes seem like hours, and the hours seem like days. The future seems to be a long way away ahead of me and I just can't see it in my eyes. All I can see is the situation that I am presently in.
'This photographer has captured the literal and impossible line we are all living'.
'The perfect metaphor for the separation and dislocation we have been asked to live in'.
'You really do feel the oppression of being trapped'.
Lockdown makes me feel locked in and locked out.
'The colours, the meaning and the feeling of being free again'.
Why has the constant fear encased me?
The photo Fear has been selected by our judge Rankin, Photographer & filmmaker.
When I created a workshop for Show and Tell I wanted to explore the idea of the 'image as an emotion' and how photography could help young people cope with the day to day of this endless lockdown. Caitlyn's "fear' is a stunning image, her photo and words combined are a perfect expression of an emotion that so many of us are feeling today.
Melting away, a feeling of changing your personality.
During these times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
I only briefly got to see my friends and some of my family outside. I couldn't do any of my plans, but I made the most of what I had and still had loads of fun with my parents.
"Dear Rishi Sunak, I hope someday in the future you get to see that retraining and finding another job wasn't how I intended to reach success, and that I am going to do it – my way."
The photo Fear has been selected by our judge Nihal Arthanayake, Broadcaster & TV presenter.
'Show and Tell has finally given young people a voice to express how they feel today and Fawziya's courage and resilience shone through her words and image. She will find success and I can't wait to see how she does it.'
'A wonderful depiction of the issues we are facing'.
Inner conflicts. My reformation and pandemic rage
How are you feeling? Hopeful. The light coming through the dark clouds resembles a semi colon, which is a symbol for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The clouds represent the dark moments in our lives and how they always eventually pass, while the light symbolises hope and mental clarity, reminding viewers there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Being in lockdown made me feel static and alone.
'I am really glad to have been a part of this project as it is such an important subject, especially at the moment. Seeing how brilliant all of the entries were made it really tough choosing the one that resonated the most with me as so many were touching. I can't wait to see the final exhibition and see what Show & Tell does next'.
What's behind the mask? Due to coronavirus, masks have become so much more relevant and accepted that people have stopped caring about what feelings are hiding behind the mask. This photograph explores the thoughts and feelings that people may be 'masking' from others.
I feel isolated by the restrictions in our world right now. My photo illustrates the struggles of lockdown, how it feels like we are trapped inside and left alone in the darkness. We are restricted from being in the light. The light cast across my face represents the opening of a door that creates a barrier between myself and a place of light, which is a metaphor for how I feel.
The photo Isolated has been selected by our judge Emma Hardy, Photographer.
'Joshua’s remarkable image is arresting. Beautifully composed and executed, it shows real elegance and maturity. It’s a strongly emotionally connected portrayal of where Joshua finds himself, and it’s also a powerful and haunting image in its own right. The monotone adds solemnity and a focussed grace. Bravo Joshua, I’m sure thousands of people will connect with this photograph. Expressing feelings in a way that resonates with others is a gift to all. Thank you!'
COVID-19 has made us a cloud of loneliness.
On the day I went into lockdown, I spent time playing my favourite game. I had been worrying about all of the class work that I'd forgotten to enjoy the little things. I'm a lot busier these days, but I no longer forget to take the time to enjoy.
'Encapsulates everything that has happened to young people during this pandemic'.
'A concept for our thoughts and how they are all messy and tangled together'.
Fear is around me and I've lost everything. Now, all I have to do is sit on a bench looking so miserably at myself. I want to go back to the good times, but I've lost all my hope. Now I am stuck, but there is no way to get out.
'Whether life is good or bad the only way to get through it is through the heart'.
It has been three months since I moved here and I can't speak English yet. I'm stuck at home, but I believe in a day when I overcome the difficult times. I hope I can communicate freely with my precious classmates.
Lockdown has me feeling anxious and trapped, but running in the park calms me.
How is it that the places that should be filled with the laughter and smiles of children are now left deserted? How is it so that the things that brought us the most joy are no longer allowed and the simple task of leaving your house is now restricted? The word is 'empty' and our lives are empty, too.
'You can imagine escaping to her world'.
Most of the time my parents are busy with work and I feel downcast because I don't have any time to spend time with my family.
JUDGE'S CHOICE
For the first exhibition our esteemed panel of judges each selected the image and emotion that resonated most with them. Click through and watch their videos to find out why they made their choices. The Judges’ Choice was used for a nationwide billboard campaign in February 2021 – Watch on YouTube
'It sums up how how so many of us are feeling during lockdown'.
'A feeling I have been feeling too during this new life experience’.
People say that life is short but it's the longest thing you'll ever witness in lockdown, I feel like time has stretched and the seconds seem like minutes, the minutes seem like hours, and the hours seem like days. The future seems to be a long way away ahead of me and I just can't see it in my eyes. All I can see is the situation that I am presently in.
'This photographer has captured the literal and impossible line we are all living'.
'The perfect metaphor for the separation and dislocation we have been asked to live in'.
'You really do feel the oppression of being trapped'.
'The colours, the meaning and the feeling of being free again'.
Why has the constant fear encased me?
The photo Fear has been selected by our judge Rankin, Photographer & filmmaker.
When I created a workshop for Show and Tell I wanted to explore the idea of the 'image as an emotion' and how photography could help young people cope with the day to day of this endless lockdown. Caitlyn's "fear' is a stunning image, her photo and words combined are a perfect expression of an emotion that so many of us are feeling today.
"Dear Rishi Sunak, I hope someday in the future you get to see that retraining and finding another job wasn't how I intended to reach success, and that I am going to do it – my way."
The photo Fear has been selected by our judge Nihal Arthanayake, Broadcaster & TV presenter.
'Show and Tell has finally given young people a voice to express how they feel today and Fawziya's courage and resilience shone through her words and image. She will find success and I can't wait to see how she does it.'
'A wonderful depiction of the issues we are facing'.
'I am really glad to have been a part of this project as it is such an important subject, especially at the moment. Seeing how brilliant all of the entries were made it really tough choosing the one that resonated the most with me as so many were touching. I can't wait to see the final exhibition and see what Show & Tell does next'.
I feel isolated by the restrictions in our world right now. My photo illustrates the struggles of lockdown, how it feels like we are trapped inside and left alone in the darkness. We are restricted from being in the light. The light cast across my face represents the opening of a door that creates a barrier between myself and a place of light, which is a metaphor for how I feel.
The photo Isolated has been selected by our judge Emma Hardy, Photographer.
'Joshua’s remarkable image is arresting. Beautifully composed and executed, it shows real elegance and maturity. It’s a strongly emotionally connected portrayal of where Joshua finds himself, and it’s also a powerful and haunting image in its own right. The monotone adds solemnity and a focussed grace. Bravo Joshua, I’m sure thousands of people will connect with this photograph. Expressing feelings in a way that resonates with others is a gift to all. Thank you!'
'Encapsulates everything that has happened to young people during this pandemic'.
'A concept for our thoughts and how they are all messy and tangled together'.
'Whether life is good or bad the only way to get through it is through the heart'.
'You can imagine escaping to her world'.
MEET THE JUDGES
Anna Richardson is an established household name and award winning writer and presenter with over 25 years’ experience at the heart of British Broadcasting. A trusted and experienced broadcaster, she is as comfortable hosting popular Factual Entertainment shows such as Channel 4’s headline grabbing Naked Attraction – as she is leading hard-hitting documentaries like Are You Autistic?
With a particular interest in lifestyle and mental health, she is the author of two books on food and dieting; a frequent podcast host, and is also a qualified Cognitive Hypnotherapist. Anna is the co-founder of Mindbox – a 24 hour online therapy centre that specialises in supporting people struggling with stress and anxiety. She has also recently collaborated with The Photography Movement and photographer Charlie Clift on his nationwide exhibition on mental health.
Carrie Scott opened Carrie Scott & Partners in 2008, a business that is at once an art consultancy, gallery and curatorial endeavour. Having been a curator, art historian and arts writer since 2004, she was well positioned to start a company that would aim to disrupt the conventions of the art world.
She has worked with numerous businesses and collectors to help them establish, manage and maintain art collections worldwide. In 2018, Scott curated the largest independent photography show for The Store x 180 Strand, A shade of Pale, exhibiting 470 photographs that included 320 images from John Pawson’s series Spectrum.
Photo – Max Lacome
Model and personality Daisy Lowe has starred in major campaigns for designers including Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs and has been shot by some of the most notable names in fashion, such as Steven Miesel, Greg Williams and Steven Klein. Editorially, Daisy’s career has spanned internationally appearing in British Vogue, Italian Vogue, Dazed, i-D and the infamous Pirelli calendar.
She also hosts her own podcast ‘Femme’ where she has intimate, honest chats about the highs and lows of being female. She invites friends and heroes to talk about fashion and family, news and nonsense, culture and curves.
‘I am really glad to have been a part of this project as it is such an important subject, especially at the moment. Seeing how brilliant all of the entries were made it really tough choosing the one that resonated the most with me as so many were touching. I can’t wait to see the final exhibition and see what Show & Tell does next’.
Daniel Regan specialises in exploring complex and difficult emotional experiences, focusing on the transformational impact of arts on mental health, building on his own lived experience. His work focuses on themes of wellbeing and brokers dialogue around often taboo topics.He regularly exhibits and speaks at events across fine art, educational and clinical institutions in the UK and worldwide.
He runs the Arts & Health Hub, a 600 strong network of artists that work in the arts and health sector. He founded this network in 2015 as a way to support artists working in the sector that feel that they have little support or connection to other peers. His particular interest and focus is on practitioner support for artists with lived experience of mental health difficulties.
Emerald is a 26-year-old DJ and broadcaster. With one of the most wide-ranging genre knowledge bases, and a sound rooted in UK bass driven club music, Emerald’s dedication to breaking the newest talents across a wide spectrum of scenes positions her uniquely in UK music culture.
Whether it’s through her presenting as host of the Drive time show on Rinse FM, her experimental DJ sets drawing on percussive sounds with the choicest global selections, or her hosting work across events, club nights and festivals around the world, Emerald’s passion for the culture in its myriad forms has made her a recognised rising talent and creative force, breaking new artists to fans and brands alike.
Based in London, Emma Hardy is well practiced in capturing the nuances of everyday life. Her images reflect an often unnoticed drama behind the scenes. Coming from a theatrical background and having worked as an actress herself before focusing on photography, Emma cites her fascination with people’s behaviour, the tensions, interactions and quirky humour, as a driving energy in her work.
Her images are infused with a believable sense of being, her portraits are intimate and unselfconscious. Tilda Swinton, Natalia Vodianova, Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Stella McCartney have sat for her, among others.
A visual storyteller, Francis Augusto is an artist focused on capturing his subjects in honest environments. Francis takes pride in being of help to new photographers, whether it’s reviewing their work or giving advice.
He is also an advocate of community building – having been a youth worker in the past – Francis helps run a men’s group, The Mandem. The Mandem is a space that exists both digitally and physically, fostering a community of men that support and celebrate one another.
Lee is a Senior Advisor at Getty Images having previously been a member of the Executive Committee and the Senior Vice President for EMEA and Asia Pac. Lee was the joint managing Director of Allsport and has covered 18 summer and Winter Olympic Games.
As well as being Vice Chairman a trustee and board member of Fight 4 change he sits on the board of Black Prince Trust. The Photography Movement, Foley Boxing Club and the Dylan Howells foundation. Lee is passionate about all sports and their power to change lives particularly the sport of boxing.
Nihal Arthanayake is an acclaimed broadcaster and TV presenter. He currently presents a daily daytime show on BBC 5 Live, and his unique interviewing style was recently recognised at the BBC Radio and Music Awards where he won Interview of the Year.
Rankin is a British photographer, publisher and film director. With a portfolio ranging from portraiture to documentary, he has shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and The Queen to name only a few.
As the global leader of Cisco’s Small Business segment, Sarah Eccleston is responsible for growing Cisco’s market share and revenue in the Small Business segment worldwide.
As Cisco’s internal and external spokesperson for Small Business, she speaks at key industry, customer, partner, and internal events to evangelize and establish Cisco as a thought leader in this market.
Prior to this role, Sarah was Cisco’s CTO for the Commercial and Small Business segments. She previously held roles in Engineering, Product Management, and Sales.
As CEO of EyeEm, the global premium stock photography marketplace, Simon Cox brings over 20 years of creative industry knowledge to this year’s Show and Tell panel.
His previous experience at the worldwide video and image platforms, such as Peach and Getty Images, has given him an in-depth understanding of the power of aesthetics and the celebration of young, emerging photography talent.
Trevor Robinson OBE is one of the most high profile and highly regarded people in advertising, despite being told at the age of 11 by his school careers advisor he’d have more chance of being a bus driver. A background that has enabled him to keep his feet firmly on the ground and to create populist ideas, loved by real people.
As deputy general secretary at The National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD) Sophie leads on policy and research. She is also editor of AD, the NSEAD’s magazine for art educators. She has been an associate lecturer and external examiner for the PGCE art & design at Goldsmiths University and a member of the DfE’s Expert Subject Advisory Group for Art, Craft & Design.
Prior to joining NSEAD she was the Senior Leader for Creative and Performing Arts at The Charter School, London, and had previous teaching experience in secondary schools, a child and family psychiatry unit and in Brixton Prison.
Zak Avery is a community focussed ethical entrepreneur, activist and event producer particularly in the realm of sustainable, innovative fashion and regenerative practices. He is the founder of sustainable and second hand fashion initiatives, ‘Ethically Woven’ and the ‘The Garmhaus’
The Cisco Photography Awards
We are absolutely thrilled to reward a selection of schools and young people across the UK with a professional photography pack to encourage further mindful photography practice.
with thanks to
'It sums up how how so many of us are feeling during lockdown'.