Hard Times

Hard Times
This was a solo exhibition of 20 photographs shown at St. Martin-in-the-Fields’ Gallery, London which showcases the work of contemporary artists. The exhibition, which was also shown in Bournemouth, Birmingham, Inverness and Wick, reached a wide audience and received numerous awards including the Association of Professional Photographers’ Gold Award.

Research Imperatives
Hard Times shed light on the hidden lives of Britain’s homeless through a collection of photographs of Big Issue vendors, about whom little is known.
The underpinning research was essentially sociological. Wenham-Clarke researched at the Big Issue headquarters at Waterloo identifying individuals and patterns of experience, identifying a set of issues and responding to them in ways that were intended to move the ground of public debate. It was also practice-led research involving testing out composition, medium and mode of delivery. A further aspect of the research touched on methodologies of oral history using selected quotations from interviewees to accompany the images. Building on previous work by Shelter and other organisations (Ken Loach, Cathy Come Home, 1966 and The Crisis Commission, Somerset House, March-April 2012) it also sought to develop the use of art as a tool against homelessness.
Wenham-Clarke’s research took him on a journey to locations mainly hidden from public view. He researched where people slept rough or in temporary accommodation within and without cities. The research involved not only identifying appropriate locations and individuals but also importantly working to win the confidence of the subjects he intended to photograph and gaining their consent.
The research highlighted the fact that unemployment and rough sleeping involves people of all ages, both male and female; it challenged common perceptions around the causes and circumstances of homelessness, and provided a fascinating insight into individual’s personal history, their relationships, the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.