Hackney Urban Survey
An ongoing series of workshops open to photographers at all levels aiming at collectively creating an archive of images documenting the layers that make up the East-London borough.
Hackney Urban Survey is an ongoing collaborative project promoted and curated by Mass Collective through a series of workshops open to amateur and professional photographers, aimed at visually documenting Hackney’s multi-layered urban fabric.
After a one-morning photography session, followed by an afternoon of collective editing, sequencing and printing, the work is presented in a pop-up exhibition open to the public at Mass’ studio on 215 Mare Street. Besides having the chance to exhibit a print, the experience is an opportunity for photographers to challenge themselves to produce a meaningful image within a very short timeframe, as well as an occasion to share work with peers and discuss it collectively.
The idea of developing a documentation of Hackney’s urban fabric was born when Mass established its studio within MoCo Arch co-working space, a refurbished shoe factory on Mare Street. Driven by the curiosity to discover more about the area surrounding the studio, the first workshop explored Hackney’s industrial past and present. During the second session, fifteen photographers ventured out to document the neighbourhood housing typologies, from Victorian terraces to council estates and new developments.
Further workshops were carried on in collaboration with a guest-tutor, who presented their work before participating to the shooting and editing session. Previous guest-tutor included documentary photographers Freya Najade and Chris Dorley Brown.
More workshops will develop through the year, exploring subjects such as parks and green spaces, local nightlife and sacred spaces. You can find more information about the next Hackney Urban Survey workshop HERE.
