Click Here
Underexposed is the Brainchild of British actor Fraser James and the 4 the record initiative to document the often under-rated contribution of black actors and actresses to film and television.
Baroness Lola Young delivered a speech, as did Fraser James and veteran British actor Rudolph Walker who was there with his wife Dounne Alexander. He paid special tribute to ground breaking actor 71-year-old Earl Cameron.
James Bond actor Colin Salmon paid his own tribute via his saxophone. And 16-year-old Leon Maddy played harmonica.
Other luminaries present included actors Danny John Jules, Geff Francis, Jocelyn Gee Essien, David Harewood, Clifford Samuel, Will Johnson, Kolton Lee, Adjoa Andoh, rising musician Bashy and producer Marc Boothe.
.jpg)
Angela Wynter and David Harewood by Franklyn Rodgers © Franklyn Rodgers
Fraser developed the concept in response to media debate that a lack of role models in the black community was a cause of youth crime. He says, ‘UNDEREXPOSED is the culmination of a long held belief of mine that there are many potential black role models, but their visibility needs to be higher. I hope this project goes some way in achieving a greater level of recognition for the wealth of talent we have in the acting profession and to inspiring the next generation of black actors in this country.’
Plasma screen installations showcase thirty black and white portraits by Franklyn Rodgers of black British actors and actresses including Rudolph Walker, Academy Award nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Oyelowo and Idris Elba, star of HBO’s new hit drama, The Wire. Franklyn Rodgers portfolio of work includes photography for Polydor and National Geographic.
As a recent recipient of the prestigious NESTA fellowship award, he has been able to further expand his endeavours, exploring cross-cultural identities on a global platform.
UNDERPEXPOSED is the first in a series of projects, which will take place every two years, focusing on black British talent in different areas. It has been made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England and deciBel.
In addition to the plasma screen installation at the National Portrait Gallery, the UNDEREXPOSED programme will include a poster campaign on the London Underground provided by the Mayor of London and a two-site installation in Peckham South London.
As a result of Fraser calling for support to produce a book at the reception launch, Baroness Lola Young has expressed an interest in writing UNDEREXPOSED and Mark Reddy is keen to continue his support via Bartle Bogle & Hegarty in terms of art direction.
In the short term the 4 The Record team will be looking for funding to take the exhibition on a tour of the UK. The installation designers Standard8 have produced early visuals for the outside installation.
Additional funding is being sought to expand the successful learning programme from current partners including the Royal Court Theatre.
4 The Record and UNDEREXPOSED will be evaluated over the next couple of months to measure impact, proof of concept, value going forward.
In the long term, the plan is to deliver another UNDEREXPOSED exhibition looking at different professions in 2010 and then again in 2012.
The actors photographed by Franklyn Rogers for UNDEREXPOSED are: ADJOA ANDOH; EARL CAMERON; NOEL ANTHONY CLARKE; DONA CROLL; IDRIS ELBA; TREVA ETIENNE; DON GILET; DAVID HAREWOOD; FRASER JAMES; LENNIE JAMES; MARIANNE JEAN-BAPTISTE; JOCELYN JEE ESIEN; WIL JOHNSON; KWAME KWEI-ARMAH; MARTINA LAIRD; DELROY LINDO; ADRIAN LESTER; PETRA LETANG; PATRICE NAIAMBANA; WUNMI MOSAKU; DAVID OYELOWO; DIANE PARISH; HUGH QUARSHIE; MARSHA THOMASON; COLIN SALMON; EAMONN WALKER; ASHLEY WALTERS; DON WARRINGTON and ANGELA WYNTER.
Angela Wynter by Franklyn Rodgers
© Franklyn Rodgers
David Harewood by Franklyn Rodgers
© Franklyn Rodgers
Underexposed: Photographs by Franklyn Rodgers at the National Portrait Gallery, London, 4 April – 8 June 2008 Ondaatje Wing Main Hall, free.
The UK Corner covers the UK/British urban entertainment scene and is written by Fiona McKinson. She is a freelance journalist and creative writer based in London. Contact her at info@thetalentshow.co.uk.
