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Discovering Sandra George

Photographer Sandra George never exhibited in her lifetime. A new posthumous display showcases her unique portraits of marginalised communities.

Discovering Sandra George

TL;DR

  • Sandra George's photographic work, focusing on domestic scenes and marginalized communities, is being exhibited posthumously.
  • Her exhibition, 'Sandra George: Start from the Level,' is held at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh.
  • George pursued independent creative projects while working as a community organizer, photographing herself and her son, Tyler.
  • After her death in 2013, 60,000 negatives were recovered from a garden shed, leading to significant artistic recognition.
  • The exhibition title is derived from George's manifesto encouraging an approach based on mutual understanding ('start on the level').
  • Her work demonstrates a keen eye for capturing interactions and uses elements like mirrors, accessories, and shadow to add vibrancy.
  • The exhibition is divided into thematic sections: community, home, children, and identity, with George's son Tyler assisting the curators.
  • George's annotated copy of 'Young People and Social Change' reveals her focus on systemic oppression related to class and race.
  • The exhibition serves as a reminder of art's connections to activism and its role in documenting life within and beyond communities.