Alex Robertson is a documentary photographer based in East London, that explores ecology, social context and the wider political landscape. The work he produces aims question; how can photography be utilised “activistically or evidentially” to challenge and deconstruct corporate and political power structures?
Using an immersive approach, he incorporates collaboration at the centre of his practice. This process is essential to his work as people directly inform his position as photographer and contribute to fact based narratives.
This direct involvement within the context of his photography can be seen throughout his work, as each project has transformed his relationship with photography and narrative. He develops long term projects that involve community and investigative research, that aim to create an activistic tool beyond the confinements of simply being images.
This development has seen Alex introduce new mechanisms into his storytelling process. Most prominently combining archival materials, data, documents and text into his practice. This helps him consider how to move photography beyond being a tool to document consequences and focus on the direct causes.
Alex holds a Masters in Documentary Photography from the University of Westminster, that helped him embrace new approaches to photography and a multidisciplinary functionality he uses today.
Education:
Documentary Photography & Photojournalism MA - University of Westminster - 2019-2021
Film Studies Ba(Hons) - University of Suffolk - 2010-2013
Group Exhibitions:
- London Festival of Architecture - Universal Expressions - The Trampery Hackney Wick - 2023
- Photo Fringe Real Utopias Eco - “How can photography make a difference to the climate crisis?” - Worthing Seafront - 2022-2023
- London Festival of Architecture - Power of Opportunities - Felsted Studios - 2022
- Galerie & CO119, Paris - Life Framer Photography Prize - Edition VI Winners - 2021
- Contour Gallery, Rotterdam - Life Framer Photography Prize - Edition VI Winners - 2020
Shortlisted Exhibitions:
- Royal Photographic Society: International Photography Exhibition 164 - 2022
- Helsinki Photo Festival - Fearless - 2021
Publications:
- Revisiting the XR Gaze Newspaper - Self Published May 2023 - Free Protest Edition of 100
- Portrait of Britain Vol. 5 - 2023 - Contributing shortlisted artist
- The Wick Newspaper - Summer 2022 - Cover Image
Interviews:
- In conversation with Photo Fringe Festival Director Claire Wearn, as part of the Open Eco exhibition - “How can photography make a difference to the climate crisis?” - August 2023
- Instagram Live Interview - My Own Eyes Are Clear - University of Westminster Online Documentary Photography & Photojournalism MA Graduates Interview - October 2020
- Life Framer Photography Prize - Human’s of the World - Winner Interview - Published December 2020
Presentations:
- PhMuseum Lab - Online Documentary Photography Masterclass with Max Pinckers - 2022 - Group presentation of the evolution of projects worked on over eight months, under the mentorship of Belgian photographer Max Pinckers
Awards:
- Portrait of Britain Vol. 5 - 2023 - Shortlisted artist
- First Prize - Life Framer Photography Prize - Humans of the World - October 2020
- Honorary Winners Mention - Life Framer Photography Prize - Civilisation - September 2020