Festivals

The Freeborn Exchange Exhibition

Honami Nishi, Japanese Designer © Gavin Freeborn 2014

The show is finally happening this week at Chelsea College of Arts in London. Follow and join in with the conversation online if you can’t make it in person. It would be great to hear from readers on social media via the Facebook Event page or @gavinfreeborn on Twitter.

#FreebornExchange

Exhibition dates: Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 April 2015

Photographic artist Gavin Freeborn trades his portraits for hospitality, skills and objects around the world.

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London based Irish artist Freeborn seeks to take you on a journey of his international adventures. Inspired by artists who barter, he has exchanged his photographic portraits for other skills, objects and hospitality in over 20 countries since November 2011.

Aiming where possible to travel free from the constraints of conventional economics, Freeborn forms spontaneous relationships in an exciting way. He has selected artists from the community of Chelsea College of Arts to show works that relate to travel or exchange.

Freeborn will also host a unique pop-up portrait studio, where you will have the opportunity to meet him, propose a Freeborn Exchange and have your portrait made. You may even get featured on his blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

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All welcome / Free entry

Wednesday 22 / Opening party / 5.30-8.00pm

Thursday 23 / Show open / 11.00-8.00pm

Friday 24 / Show open / 11.00-8.00pm

Friday 24 / Freeborn Exchange Social / 5.30-8.00pm

Saturday 25 / Show open/ 10.00-4.00pm

Saturday 25/ Pop up portrait studio open / 11.00-2.00pm

Saturday 25/ Closing party / 2.00-4.00pm

Location / Cookhouse Gallery, Chelsea College of Arts, 16 John Islip Street, London, SW1P 4JU.

Chelsea College of Arts is situated in Pimlico, next door to Tate Britain, a five minute walk from Pimlico underground station. The Cookhouse Gallery is just off the corner of the parade ground square.

Directions to Chelsea College of Arts

Feel free to let me know you’re coming via the Facebook Event

www.facebook.com/freeborn.co / @gavinfreeborn on Twitter

#FreebornExchange

Contact / gavinfreeborn33@gmail.com / 07814620306

New York St Patrick’s Day Parade 2014 in Retrospect

New York St Patty’s Day Parade with Irish and American flags

Happy St Patrick’s Day to everyone around the world today! This day last year I was in New York for St Patty’s Day as they call it over there. It was absolutely freezing. I could barely feel my fingers when using my camera that day! These are some of my favourite images, which I wanted to share in retrospect. That day I experienced one of the world’s largest and most famous parades.

Marching Brass Band Musicians pause to take a breath between tunes

By pure chance I met lots of Irish Americans including from the Donegal Association of New York, who had emigrated from small seaside townlands such as Kildoney in Donegal, only a few miles from my family farm in Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Of course, in the typical Irish way…they knew my father! Like me, he’s a very friendly guy.

Joseph Duelk Jr. (John) of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, New York

Wherever you are in the world, I hope you have a great St Patrick’s Day and if you’re in New York you might still be able to make it to see the parade in person. If not, you can always watch it in the comfort of your own home via links on the NBC New York website.

Lambeg Drummer, Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Orange County New York

New York State Troopers

B.J. Murphy Irish American New York State Trooper

Irish American families sporting traditional Irish Aran knitwear jumpers

Irish American NYC Fire Department (FDNY) Piper

Me posing proudly with my neighbours from home, the President and Past Presidents of the New York Donegal Association - some of them new my father of course!

Me posing proudly with my neighbours from my homeland in Ireland, the President and Past Presidents of the New York Donegal Association – typically they new my father of course!

The beautiful Greek waitress who charmingly served me endless refills of coffee to allow me to warm up

A retired Japanese Ad Man I met whilst warming up in a cafe

Brandon Stanton, the man behind the wonderful photography project Humans of New York

Brandon Stanton, the man behind Humans of New York

Brandon Stanton – Humans of New York

Irish Dancer in traditional costume

“When Irish eyes are smiling!” as the song goes!

US Coast Guard

Dillon Irish American US Coast Guard

Brandon Stanton “having mighty Craic” with a Piper

Knights of Columbus Piper

Knights of Columbus Drummer

Portrait of me by Brandon Stanton, when I defined the Irish phenomenon of “Craic” on Humans of New York

The NYPD who I had great craic with both in Brooklyn and Manhattan!

The NYPD who I had also had great “Craic” with both in Brooklyn and Manhattan!

Soul Singer Leon Bridges

Fort Worth Soul Singer Leon Bridges

On Sunday evening I had the good fortune to bring my camera to the Communion Presents gig at Notting Hill Arts Club. The special guest for the evening was Columbia Records’ Leon Bridges, from Forth Worth, Texas. I’d recently found his music via @LeonBridges on Twitter and seen that Communion were bringing him to London. The Guardian and many other sites are currently singing from the rooftops that he is “one to watch”. Backed by a host of Texas based gloriously talented musicians, the set in this small West London basement venue utterly blew me away. Simply put their performance was utterly sublime! Check out his recently premiered the superb new video “Coming Home”.

I photographed all of the bands that night including portraits outside on the footpath (or the sidewalk for those stateside). These are two of my favourites from the show. Leon and the band are flat out busy this week with all sorts of exciting happenings in London. They played The Lexington in Angel last night and will have another show at Old Blue Last in Shoreditch this Thursday 5th of March. If you can make it to see this supremely talented young man and his wonderful band then do it. If not then watch/listen via the web and hope you get to a live show one day soon. Check out the beautiful images on Leon’s Instagram too. The very best of luck to such a great new talent and I’m sure his appearance at SXSW festival which you can listen to on Radio KGSR 93.3 FM will catapult him further into the stars!

The Wonderful Co-Founding Editors Zoe Jewell & Tim Dickens, celebrating the holiday season and successes of their Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign

Brixton Blog & Brixton Bugle Party at Effra Social Club, Brixton

The Wonderful Co-Founding Editors Zoe Jewell & Tim Dickens, celebrating the holiday season and successes of their Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign

Just before i jetted off to Ireland for Christmas with family, covered in my last blog post, I went along to the Brixton Blog and Brixton Bugle (our monthly local newspaper) Christma my local Effra Social Club, Brixton. It was great to catch up with Tim & Zoe again after I’d made their double portrait earlier in the year in support of their Indiegogo Crowdfunding campaign for a new part-time news editor.

I met many lovely new people at the event and wanted to share this gallery so you can put faces to the names of some of Brixton’s solid gold local journalists. Their work really enriches the community of Brixton and further afield, with reporting on everything from Lambeth council and the police to arts and music. They are such an essential part of the cultural fabric on Brixton. Crowdfunders were also invited to pick up their perks from donating. A great night was had by all and I look forward to collaborating further with these lovely creative folk.

Crowdfunder and Lovely Brixton Local Gillian Gould picking up her reward of her very own Brixton Blog T-shirt

Eric The Fish Illustrator Pam Williams shows us her handiwork

The Faces behind “Faces of Brixton” feature, Alex & Cat

Felix Derosen, French born American Electronic Musician

Surprise New Staff Member soon to start with Brixton Blog & Brixton Bugle

Delightful Arts & Culture co-Editors, young husband and wife team Barney & Ruth Evison

Music Reviewer Dan Kelly, Barney Evison & Keith Lewis, Deputy Editor, sporting his very fashionable Brixton Blog bag!

Wherever you are in the world….stay in touch with what’s happening on the Brixton Blog and in the Brixton Bugle!

Connect up directly to these wonderfully creative folk on their websites or Twitter as follows…@Zoe_Jewell, @Tim_Dickens, Pam Williams (Illustrator/Writer/Coach), Alex & Cat @ Brixton Faces, @BarneyEvison, Ruth Evison @MinimalismBlog, Daniel Kelly @DPAKelly, @KeithJohnLewis

Double trouble...the lovely Emily and Hannah getting in the "Christmas Spirit" at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Christmas and New Year Season Highlights

Double trouble…the lovely Emily and Hannah getting in the “Christmas Spirit” at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Emily hopes she hasn’t been to naughty for Santa to come this year…. in the “Christmas Spirit” at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Is it a bird?, is it a plane?…no, it’s a man dressed as in a mince pie Christmas jumper at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Cracking Christmas jumper with detachable candy canes at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

Stylish Maternity Christmas jumper at the Chelsea, Camberwell and Wimbledon Colleges of Art staff Christmas party, University of the Arts London

The magical lights of Christmas trees all around…I love spotting them as I travel around.

Christmas party with my highly cherished friends and family at Duran Duran, London

Christmas party with my highly cherished Duran Duran family/friends, London

Traditional Christmas Dinner….a veritable feast! Enough leftovers to last a large family a week! Duran, Duran, London

Traditional homemade Sherry Trifle by the lovely Mairead, more desert than we knew what to do with! Duran Duran, London

Showing friends how to get into the “Christmas Spirit” by setting the Christmas pudding on fire with alcohol before eating it with custard, cream and repeated dollops of sinful yet delicious brandy butter, Duran Duran, London

Secret Santa gifts including this fab “Murray Christmas” t-shirt displayed my it’s proud new owner, my brother-in-law to be, Paul McCormack, Duran Duran, London

Meeting Dave, co-founder of Brew By Numbers (BBNo.) in his rather jazzy Christmas cardigan…it must have been mating season for reindeer when this was knitted! Duran Duran, London

Spanish and Italian influenced food at the alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Margherita Dell Piane, Queen of the Dancefloor, who won a ring in the first Christmas cracker she'd ever pulled, at the alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Margherita Dell Piane, Queen of the Dancefloor, who could’t believe it when she won a ring in the first Christmas cracker she’d ever pulled, at the alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Emma Pessato, Queen of the World, at our alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Juan Rendon, King of the World, at our alternative Freeborn Christmas party, Brixton, London

Catching up with my old friend from agriculture college, John Graham, his wife Brid and their lovely new baby Judith, at their wonderful new business venture The Beehive Cafe, Sligo Folk Park, Ireland

Meeting Father Christmas in person and making his portrait…at Santatown, Sligo Folk Park, Ireland

Visiting the wonderful Goulden family and our grandaunt Ivy, who’s still as bright as a spark at 90 years of age, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Christmas Lunch, Sunday 21st of December at The wonderful Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland…where we had a view of Donegal Bay and the Atlantic Ocean whilst enjoying top notch great value food.

Post lunch Impromptu family portrait at The Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Santa is still coming to me bless him and me 35yrs old! I must be a VERY good boy 😉 – Donegal, Ireland

My 96yr old Grandmother Eileen Black, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Visiting old family friend Tommy Keirans, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Visiting a fine old family friend Tommy Keirans and chatting about his days farming, showing him photos and films of our brother Alasdair’s New Zealand farming practices, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Passing through the annual Boxing Day Hunt 2014 at Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, Ireland – I’m not pro hunting but I am highly intrigued by the traditions associated with hunting in terms of dress etc.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks all around the world bringing us from one year to another….I wish you health and happiness in 2015!

My good friends at The Beehive Cafe in Riverstown, Sligo, Ireland

John in action at The Beehive ©gavinfreeborn

On the 14th of January 2013 I wrote a long and detailed blog post all about my friendship with the Tenacious JHCG (John Henry Coe Graham). I explained a little of how our lives have unfolded since we studied together at Greenmount Agriculture College in Northern Ireland, now part of Cafre (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) from 1996-1999 (last century!).

John serves me my first delicious coffee with handmade chocolate brownie at The Beehive ©gavinfreeborn

John went on to work as an agricultural policy advisor in Dublin, whilst managing farming in Sligo at the same time. He found the woman of his dreams Brid McNulty on a night out in Dublin. They bought a beautiful Sligo farm and house, married where Brid studied Trinity College Dublin and John had her picked up from the hotel for the wedding in an gigantic brand new Claas Tractor (which I had the honour of photographing!). They had their beautiful baby Judith and opened a fantastic new cafe called The Beehive, in Sligo Folk Park.

The Beehive Cappuccino ©gavinfreeborn

Me photographing The Beehive © John Graham

It was fantastic to see my old friend and we had a good laugh explaining to his local customers how we knew each other. It was hard for folk to believe that I, the gentleman photographer swinging the Canon 7D camera, dressed in tweed jacket & silk cravat, once studied agriculture with John almost 20 years ago! Two of John’s lovely customers Margaret and John, who farm sheep, suckler cows and the beautiful Connemara ponies in the Sligo mountains even posed for a quick portrait.

Sligo Farmers Margaret Finan & John Duignan at The Beehive ©gavinfreeborn

John was in full flow as gracious host deftly moving from kitchen to front of house, hand making fresh scones and all sorts of delicious delights which I was lucky enough to taste test. The chocolate brownie is some of the best I’ve tasted on my travels as are the scones. Both have been created and baked to perfection resulting in a crunchy bite, followed by a soft centre of utter succulence!

The Beehive Handmade Chocolate Brownies ©gavinfreeborn

The Beehive Handmade Scones ©gavinfreeborn

Their macaroons and christmas mince pies look so enticing too…

The Beehive Macaroons ©gavinfreeborn

The Beehive Christmas Mince Pies ©gavinfreeborn

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Armistice Day Portraits, Chelsea College of Arts, London

Les Eastwood, World War II Veteran – Wireman on Landing Craft at Normandy on D-Day 6th June 1944

World War II Veterans at today’s Chelsea SPACE and London Taxi Benevolent Fund’s Armistice event: A Day’s Silence at Chelsea College of Arts. Such wonderful characters! It’s quite something that these people were part of D-Day…an event which changed the history of the world as we know it! They were in great spirits and continue to tour with the project Veteran’s Road Trip orchestrated by artist in residence Janet Louise Hodgson.

Singing Veteran

Royal Hospital World War II Veteran in Scarlet Uniform

Still in fighting form!

Royal Hospital World War II Veteran

Retired London Black Cab Owner/Driver and Tour Guide, WWII Veteran Roy H Knight

WWII Parachute Regiment Soldier

Brighton Photography Biennial 2014

James a Brighton local, who told me "There's a great movie on soon...Frankenstein...you should go and see it!"

Eva, Market Worker from Nelson, New Zealand who now lives in Brighton and dreams of visiting her Italian family ancestral home in Sicily one day! – Taken in Diplock’s Yard

Juan Rendon playing in the JAWS of a Shark

James told me “There’s a great movie on soon…Frankenstein…you should go and see it!”

Brighton Local James photographed outside Komedia on Gardner St.

Paul & Ellen outside the Vintage Fair at Brighton Dome

Gentleman Paul Crompton, Vintage Dealer, outside the Vintage Fair at Brighton Dome

Pompoko Japanese Restaturant in Brighton

Dub Attack – Entrepreneurial use of infrastructure, advertising events at Komedia

Circus Street Market

A Return to Elsewhere – Digital Brighton Photography Biennial Exhibition @ Circus Street Market

Rossena Petkova, Bulgarian Photographer enjoying Brighton Photography Biennials Photobook Show

Saskia & Georgia measuring up for the very last event at Circus Street Market – BA Illustration students at the University of Brighton Exhibition

Graffiti that Fits the Inevitable Gentrification of Circus Street Market

Walking the Dog

William Street Social Housing,Brighton

Taking the Dog for Ride

Lady Sheepskin Dealer, North Lanes

Jeweler Pete Modelling his Moustache on a Pumpkin

Young Brighton Busker

Brockwell Park Fireworks 2014, London

Brockwell Park Fireworks, London

Fireworks are exploding into the dark evening skies all over London and Britain this week around the annual traditional Bonfire or Guy Fawkes night as it is referred to here in England. I was out with my camera to capture the action and most importantly make portraits of some of the people enjoying this festive week. Brockwell Park near Brixton, Herne Hill and Tulse Hill was full of wonderful folk and fun was had by all. Here’s a selection for all to enjoy, whether you’re in South London or Slovakia!

If you want to catch some more of the action then have a look at the Time Out London guide to London Firework displays.

Conrad & River Sharp enjoying a sparkler

Brockwell Park Bonfire

James & Bex from Crystal Palace

Caribbean Food Stall with Curry Goat…Yum!

Mehki, Nadine & Mylah Nicole from Stockwell Waiting for the Fireworks

The Excited Crowd at Brockwell Park Fireworks

Waiting Wide-Eyed

Brockwell Park Fireworks

Emma, Roanne, Emma & Stephanie Enjoy the Festivities

Brockwell Park Fireworks

Christina & Alisha in Fur & Wellie Boots

Prince Regent Pub Buzzing...with Local Fresh Jerk Stalls Nearby

Prince Regent Pub Buzzing & Local Fresh Jerk Stalls Nearby

Kerry & Nick Share a traditional Sticky Toffee Apple outside Effra Social Club

Lambeth Council Encourage All to Have a Safe Journey Home

Abby Munroe Guestlist staff @Dogstar Brixton

Top 30 Freeborn Portraits of Halloween 2014 in Brixton, London

Abby Munroe General Manager @ The Dogstar

Sorcery and black magic were cast all over the world last night. It proved to be an excellent night to explore with my Canon 7D, 50mm 1.4F lens and 580EXII Speedlite flash. Thanks to everyone who was truly #Freeborn and expressed their wonderful creativity!

These are the top 30 Freeborn portraits from adventures through the streets of Brixton, Market Row, Brixton Village Market and Effra Social Club with The Crumps Cramps Tribute Band performing downstairs whilst The Artful Badger performed incantations above in the haunted upstairs flats…the weekend isn’t over yet…and wherever you are in the world…be sure to enjoy the fun that is…Halloween!