Word, image and the power of Gregor
By Lauren Hills
Gregor Rohrig’s photographic documentary is a powerful synergy between poetry and pictures that truly encapsulates life in East Grahamstown.
“Project: Pictures for Life” is being exhibited in the Eden Grove foyer throughout the week in association with the National English Literary Museum (Nelm) and Wordfest.
When Rhodes University offered to buy the third-year journalism student’s photographs, he realised that he could make a profit off them.
However, instead of keeping the money for himself, he chose to use these powerful images to help the community he has so vividly portrayed through his photography. At the beginning of 2004, he initiated a project with the Rhodes Centre for Social Development to channel his profits back into this community.
Gregor’s series of 38 deeply moving photographs is more than a project: the individuals he photographed have really touched his life.
He has given us a sensitive glimpse into the lives of individuals in East Grahamstown, and he has captured a sense of being that is intensely honest. Gregor says he has a “great respect for his subject matter, and is grateful that the community has let him into their lives”.
Local poets Ingrid Anderson and Crystal Warren have chosen poetry created by writers in East Grahamstown from as early as the 1970s which will be on show alongside the photographs. From the Aerial and Umgquala poetry anthologies, these poems are a diverse expression of daily issues, giving a very definite sense of place and identity.
Crystal emphasises how the poetry “is an expression of a very real voice, and it is very interesting how the poetry and the photographs speak to each other.”
Ingrid says: "There is a fantastic synergy between the photographs and poetry,” and agrees that Gregor’s talent is undeniable.
This evening at five o’clock you can experience this synergy at the launch of Gregor’s exhibition along with Ingrid Anderson reading some of the selected poems. Gregor’s prints will be on order at the exhibition, and all proceeds will go to the Centre for Social Development.
By Lauren Hills
Gregor Rohrig’s photographic documentary is a powerful synergy between poetry and pictures that truly encapsulates life in East Grahamstown.
“Project: Pictures for Life” is being exhibited in the Eden Grove foyer throughout the week in association with the National English Literary Museum (Nelm) and Wordfest.
When Rhodes University offered to buy the third-year journalism student’s photographs, he realised that he could make a profit off them.
However, instead of keeping the money for himself, he chose to use these powerful images to help the community he has so vividly portrayed through his photography. At the beginning of 2004, he initiated a project with the Rhodes Centre for Social Development to channel his profits back into this community.
Gregor’s series of 38 deeply moving photographs is more than a project: the individuals he photographed have really touched his life.
He has given us a sensitive glimpse into the lives of individuals in East Grahamstown, and he has captured a sense of being that is intensely honest. Gregor says he has a “great respect for his subject matter, and is grateful that the community has let him into their lives”.
Local poets Ingrid Anderson and Crystal Warren have chosen poetry created by writers in East Grahamstown from as early as the 1970s which will be on show alongside the photographs. From the Aerial and Umgquala poetry anthologies, these poems are a diverse expression of daily issues, giving a very definite sense of place and identity.
Crystal emphasises how the poetry “is an expression of a very real voice, and it is very interesting how the poetry and the photographs speak to each other.”
Ingrid says: "There is a fantastic synergy between the photographs and poetry,” and agrees that Gregor’s talent is undeniable.
This evening at five o’clock you can experience this synergy at the launch of Gregor’s exhibition along with Ingrid Anderson reading some of the selected poems. Gregor’s prints will be on order at the exhibition, and all proceeds will go to the Centre for Social Development.
posted by Eldridge at 6:00 AM
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