"I've
always had an interest in subcultures and socioeconomics," says
23-year-old Owen Harvey, who graduated from Newport, University of Wales this
summer. "I knew some friends from school who were into the Mod scene and
after talking to them about my interest they suggested I go to a few events.
From there my interest in photographing this particular subculture began."
Harvey,
who is based in London, began his project eight months ago while studying
documentary photography at Newport. Although initially attracted to the style
and music of the so-called "Mod scene" he became interested in what
the term Mod means for the people who adopt that culture. He travelled around
the UK to various events, funding the project by selling limited edition prints
of images from the series.
"Mod
is an abbreviation for Modernism yet these devotees are influenced through the
music and fashion of a subculture that began in the late 1950s," he says.
"I made connections with those attending the events and asked if I could
photograph them. I was keen to photograph the younger crowd but as the project
went on the age range started to vary. As the age group became broader I chose
people to photograph by their style and dedication to the scene."
Using a
single Metz flashgun to light both his images, Harvey waited until an
individual was "lost in their enjoyment for the music" before
photographing them. "I'd try to highlight the person's emotion through
their dance moves and expressions. The portraits were a way for the individuals
to show their most treasured clothes, which is a huge part of it. I often
scouted for locations that held no indication to a period of time," he
adds. "This helped to keep the timeless quality of the images."
Since
graduating from Newport, Harvey has been working at IdeasTap, an arts charity
for young creatives. Yet, he plans on continuing to work on long-term personal
projects and commercial commissions. Most recently, Harvey has been
commissioned by the Financial Times. "I had an amazing time at Newport. My
tutor Ken Grant has been a huge inspiration and given invaluable guidance. I
want my images to create an atmosphere and to be honest," he adds.
"If they entice emotion from the viewer then I am happy."
Visit www.cargocollective.com/owenharvey
for more information.
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