Common Ground

Liv
"My image is a reflection on how music, memory and material surroundings have shaped my sense of self. By mimicking my messy bedroom through the incorporation of personal objects such as T-shirts and posters, I encapsulate a moment in time that is familiar to me – playing the same riffs over and over on my guitar."

Sianna
“My work explores the layers of my Jamaican heritage, unfolded in this anti-portrait to reveal the wealth and beauty of my culture. It is a map of identity, written in gold and shadow.”

Yassir
“When I was younger, religion was an important aspect of my identity and family life. But this connection faded as I grew older and began to experience different environments. This photograph looks ahead to my future self and who I want to become, reconnecting with my faith and culture.”

Lemuel
“Fashion, particularly streetwear, has been a huge source of self-expression for me. Growing up in south London has inspired me to branch away from what is considered ‘normal’ – dressing in bold colours and materials to reflect my vibrant nature and personality. I may be seen as different but I am true to myself.”

Chelsea
“Nostalgia doesn’t just look backwards – it carries forward wholesome moments and warmth from childhood. By depicting my present self reading a childhood classic, I explore how nurturing the past can shape who I am today.”

Dhillon
“This work marks a breaking point: moving from keeping my faith private to expressing it openly. I grew up in a household that wasn’t very religious, learning from friends and family how to present myself, from cutting my hair to not covering it, even though these practices were not part of our faith. Last year I began my journey of reconnecting with Sikhism and photography has helped me care less about how others perceive me while holding true to my faith’s morals and lessons.”

Emma
“My work reflects on what makes us uniquely ourselves – from the ambitions we build independently to the values and traditions we inherit from those we cherish. By using my mother’s clothes and paintbrushes gifted by family members, I pay homage to the people who have sparked my creativity while expressing pride in who I have become."

Tiannah
“This piece symbolises my transition from being behind the camera to becoming the subject. Though my face is hidden, my presence speaks for itself.”

Evie
“My portrait is about more than football, it's about family and my local community. The shirts and scarves surrounding me have been collected over the years, each one holding memories and stories. It's our own little tradition, a culture built on colours, crest and the love of the game.”

Mario
“My work explores the many layers of identity and how people navigate the balance between a public persona and their private lives. Inspired by a book character with an alter ego, I chose to represent this through a masquerade mask. The mask is the focal point of the image and my hand and pose suggest how easily a mask can be put on or taken off. The work encourages people to embrace individuality, their differences, and take pride in their unique talents.”

Erika
“The core of this work is about self-acceptance and encouraging others, especially young women, to feel confident expressing themselves outside of society’s boxes. Wearing a dress was uncomfortable for me at first but, through photography, I’ve reclaimed this part of my identity and pushed beyond my insecurities. By framing myself in a bold yellow, I put myself back in the spotlight to be seen – and hope to remind others to do the same.”

Thano
“This anti-portrait pays homage to one of my favourite TV shows, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, while also reflecting my identity. The piece draws inspiration from poses of the characters. My chosen pose suggests contemplation and careful planning, a moment caught between thought and action. I highlight the nature of the show and the way it's been a part of my identity.”