Back and Forth

Photography exhibition by Jan Bernet and Charlene Galea.
The work was shown at A12 Lab. in Hackney Wick on the 14th of September 2018.

With ‘back and forth’ the two photographers invite the viewer to get a glimpse into their perspectives and experiences they collected over the
course of six years living in this metropolis. During that time they individually seen and lived the many sides of London.
Taking part in the rat race, they documented the streets as well as the times of escapism.

Giving their best during the week to succeed and meet expectations based on societies ideals, questioning their own doings and true calling -
they were seeking a way to escape on weekends, into a better reality, exploring to find a better understanding of themselves as well as the world around them.

‘‘I found myself in a cycle of enduring the weekdays, accepting and adapting the best I can, whereas on the weekends I would be able to stop and breathe - reflecting on what I really want to do. Spending my free time at such events with like-minded people whilst exploring photography gave me that
yearned for space to connect and explore. Monday approached and I found myself back in the office chair, mainly pursuing other people’s dreams.’’

Charlene moved to London from Malta, Jan was born in Zurich, Switzerland. Away from their roots, both found temporary families in
various subcultures, allowing them to be in a space of security, connection and creativity.

The two artists decided to collaborate and show these contrasts of the London living life through their visual narratives and invite
the viewers to recollect and reflect on their own experiences.

exhibited work

week life: