Richard Heeps has been photographing Americana in the UK and USA for over 10 years. His images capture the vibrancy of contemporary scenes inspired by the 1940s and 1950s and they pay tribute to mid-century modern life, as it is lived today.
The title is adopted from the tattoo flash of American artist Sailor Jerry. It draws a selection of images together which tell the story of the spirit and pursuit of the all American dream. The subject matter is stylish, glamorous and sometimes hedonistic. Portraits, interiors, images of burlesque, hot rods, dragsters and custom cars all feature in the collection.
Heeps preserves and celebrates places where the wrecking ball is looming. The exhibition and book take the form of a 10 year personal photo-documentary. From Santa Pod, a dragstrip in Bedfordshire, England to burlesque performers in Hollywood, this is an account of Richard's journey with a group of like-minded people at odds with modernity.
Content of the exhibition
'Man's Ruin' contains 50 C-type hand-printed photographs taken from the book. Images can be viewed in the 'browse' section of Richard's website in the following sets:
- Man's Ruin
- Dream in Colour
- After the Gold Rush
- Salton Sea
- Burlesque
- Drag Racing
- Bonneville
- A Bombers
- Hot Heads East.
Each gallery will be sent a list of the images available for the show. The framed images measure 59 x 59cm. The content of the exhibition can be tailored to meet the needs of the hiring venue. Please call 20-21 for more information. There is an education pack to accompany the exhibition and large print and Braille copies of interpretation material are provided.
Merchanise
Man's Ruin - A 240 page hardback book containing over 200 colour images, limited edition signed photographic prints (20.3cm x 25.4cm) housed in a print browser for visitors to flick through and 12 'Man's Ruin' postcards. An order form will be sent with the exhibition contract. Merchandise will be delivered with the exhibition.
Hire fee
The hire fee is £1,000 + VAT for up to eight weeks and includes one-way transportation.
Availability
Man's Ruin is available from September 2009.