‘Changing Faces' by Paul Floyd Blake

13 January - 25 February
Folly Gallery, Lancaster

Reviewed by Kate Dobson

The aim of this exhibition, ‘Changing Faces', according to artist Paul Floyd Blake, is to challenge cultural and ethic stereotypes, and to celebrate diversity within Britain. Created partly as a response to the success of the BNP in Yorkshire, the series of portraits includes images of people from the Polish Society, the travelling community and churchgoers.

I liked the fact that all the prints are the same size, and are presented in a very conventional and traditional manner; does this emphasise the differences of the people being represented? Maybe – I think it does make the audience aware of how we pigeon-hole people for a whole range of physical traits, be they gender specific, cultural or ethnic. A couple of the portraits are very challenging and confrontational, particularly the images including the Travellers; their mien conveys unease and suspicion. The portrait of George, the Churchgoer, is also arresting.

The interesting thing about photographic portraits is that so much depends on the intensity and character of the sitter. Over half of the exhibition is bland and uninteresting; it's a bit like PFB has wandered around town taking random pictures of people (which are undeniably beautifully executed) who have seized up in front of the camera. Where is their personality?

I think the exhibition is worth seeing for the three or four portraits which do convey something, be it history, unease, or confidence. What puzzles me, though, is how my stereotypes and prejudices have been challenged. On viewing the images of the Polish people, for example, I think of concentration camps and history and struggle – is this wrong? Am I being obvious and prejudiced? Or is that a legitimate part of their concept of self? Am I allowed to think these things? Its interesting, and I think the work definitely makes you think about it all.