2 Nov 2008

Edge of the map

‘Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.’ 
JH Murray

Goethe says ‘Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.’ This Summer, after years of half formed ideas, I decided to hold a travel photography exhibition.
I, like many travel writers, taught myself photography by taking pictures, and my images have been published for years along with my writing (www.wordontheworld.com). I wasn’t sure they could stand the test of being on a bare wall. But Goethe also says, ‘Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.’
So, I did, mining a decade of slides for nuggets of gold, or at least silver, with the help of trained eyes such as Jeremy Hoare and his wife, Chizuko. Adventurous experiences in lesser known travel addresses jumped out. These included a retreat with the Bedouin in the Sinai, a heady trek to Bhutan’s most famous monastery, husky sledging in Greenland, and portraits of children, from the back roads of Rwanda to a village only reached canoe in Ecuador’s Northern Amazon.
I took some to a picture library (World Pictures www.photoshot.com). They took 100, which encouraged me. I wondered aloud about venues, accosted photographers in Jessops and made a nuisance of myself at drinks parties. It paid off.
‘Edge of the Map’ was born in the contemporary Austin Art Gallery (119a Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch EC2, Tel: 0207 6130185 or 07928056294, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it at the centre of the East End arts scene. It features images from 13 countries: Bhutan, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Greenland, Mauritius, Namibia, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Siberia, Syria and Taiwan. Its aim is to arouse people’s curiosity – to read the story behind each picture which gives the exhibition its uniqueness - and transport people out of the urban grind.
It will mature next year in a top hospital arts gallery (TBC). To think of photographs taken on assignment giving comfort to someone visiting a dying relative or a patient strolling the corridors after a rough night gives what we do a meaning beyond yesterdays news. You all have veins of gold and silver, exciting work projects and creative ideas. I hope this inspires you to boldly go forth and manifest them. In the meantime, come to my exhibition!
The private view for Edge of the Map is on Thursday 13th November 6-10pm, at the end of WTM. Nearest tube is Liverpool Street; walk up Redchurch Street - the gallery is opposite Brick Lane. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details, to add your name on the guest list or to arrange an alternative viewing time.
www.picturesontheworld.com will host exhibition pictures in the new year.

EXHIBITION TIPS

For quality at a good price, I recommend Power Print (www.powerprint.co.uk) for printing and scanning (at nearby Tapestry) and for mounting and framing Ray’s Glass and Frames (tel: 020 7739 0580). To add value, make professional-looking books/catalogues, postcards and greeting cards online atwww.photobox.co.uk.

Nicki Grihault