Tate Photography: Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen

Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen is a Finnish photographer who studied in London and moved to North East England in the 1960s. This book captures a working-class neighborhood and reveals the devastating impact of redevelopment, but also the moments of joy of group outings to the beach. Konttinen's photographs and films were inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2011. The Tate Photography Series is a celebration of international photography in the Tate collection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Tate Publishing

Before embarking on any project, I immersed myself in the art of photography, capturing the beauty, wonder, and stories that captivated my heart. Throughout my artistic journey, testimonials have played a vital role in shaping my work. Hailing from Finland, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen pursued her studies in London, where she founded the Amber Film & Photography Collective alongside her fellow students. In the 1960s, she relocated to North East England, establishing roots in Newcastle, a city that has remained her home ever since.

In this captivating book, Konttinen delves into two of her photographic series: Byker (1969–83) and Writing in the Sand (1978–98). Through these series, she offers a poignant portrayal of a working-class neighborhood and sheds light on the devastating impact of redevelopment on the community. However, it is also a celebration of the moments of joy and camaraderie experienced during group outings to the beach.

At the core of Konttinen's photographs lies her deep affection for the region she calls home. Her images, combined with the films created by her fellow Amber Collective members, were honored in 2011 when they were inscribed in the British section of the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The Tate Photography Series, a testament to international photography within the Tate collection, serves as both a celebration and an introduction to some of the most exceptional photographers working today.

These books, curated in collaboration with living photographers and photography curators, present a captivating visual travelogue of our world. Spanning diverse landscapes and subcultures, they showcase the finest and most notable images captured across cities, seashores, and various cultures. Each volume features a fresh dialogue between the curator and photographer, preceded by a brief introduction.

The first four titles in the series delve into the theme of community and solidarity. Additionally, other titles in this series are available, each offering a unique perspective and artistic expression. These include:

Liz Johnson Artur (978-1-84976-801-6)
Sabelo Mlangeni (978-1-84976-802-3)
Sheba Chhachhi (978-1-84976-803-0)

Through the lens of Konttinen and her fellow photographers, the Tate Photography Series invites us to explore the world through the eyes of artists, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities and landscapes that shape our world.

Dimension: 200 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849768009