Posted on November 17, 2008 by Rachel Pulfer | Comments
ShareMeredith Andrews is a photographer with a future. Trained at Goldsmiths College, she has a particularly sharp eye for Americana – as seen through a lens globally. Recently named a contender for Travel Photographer of the Year and also on HeyHotShot, a good site to watch for emerging photographic talent, one of her shots was also selected this fall to be part of the prestigious Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery. (That exhibit is on until February 15.) Andrews recently located from Bermuda to Malmö in Sweden. She speaks with Azuremagazine.com about the globe's awkward embrace of America; the contrast between Swedish and Bermudian light; and how Swedes have figured out how to go cycling in style.
Where were you when you saw the subject of each of these pieces?
The CCCP, Carts and Fake Trees were all shot while on location in Kazan, Tartarstan, Russia. The CCCP photograph was taken in a western style food court in a shopping mall. The Trolley was from a department store, and the Fake Trees was of an inner city parking lot. The Motelwas taken in Wedderburn - a small, drought-ridden town in Victoria, Australia.
What struck you about them and why did you decide to shoot them?
In slightly different ways, the three Russian images all capture the awkward struggle of Westernization of the old communist block. They're a documentation of the ever-present Nouveau consumerism and an oil-rich country's cultural adolescence.
The beauty in boredom of the Wedderburn Goldseeker Motel fascinated me, with the faux western motel typography adorned only by an empty plant pot and a wheelie-bin.
What interests you most, as an artist, about the medium of photography?
The immediacy of capturing something forever, as well as the variety in artistic application.
Which photographers most inspire you and why?
Martin Parr - for his use of colour and social commentary, William Eggleston - for composition and celebrating the banal, Anderson & Lowe - for their perfectionism, James Cooper - for his curiosity, and Don McCullin - for sheer courage.
What themes have you noticed cropping up in your work?
I often find myself drawn to subjects like consumerism, globilization, commercialism, Americana as well as the overlooked, ironic details of everyday life.
What kind of light do you find particularly interesting at the moment and why is it interesting to you? How does light in Sweden differ from light in Bermuda?
As I've only recently relocated to Sweden I'm quite enjoying the warm autumn light late in the day. The light here is more diffused, due to the cloud cover, and the colours are a little more muted. Light in Bermuda, although vibrant, is often harder and therefore somewhat limiting.
Is there a place or street or corner that you find particularly beautiful or striking in Malmö, and what is it about that place that you find interesting?
The many city parks are relatively well illuminated at night and I have been shooting a lot of work there lately.
What's setting up shop in Sweden like?
The infamous Tax Office was actually very welcoming, although in a slightly sinister kind of way.
What are particularly Swedish preoccupations that strike you as inspiring, funny or odd?
Things Swedes do surprisingly well include cycling in heels, falafels and sing-along-TV-programs. It's an exciting time to live in Malmö, as it's one of the fastest growing, most creative and most diverse cities in Europe.
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