Smith & Williamson, The Parish of Saint Helier and Dasa Wharton Photography are delighted to announce the opening of a free, open-air installation of photographic works by Dasa Wharton.
The free exhibition, due to open in September, will feature 30 large-scale photographs that celebrate the work of key and essential workers as well as other members of our community from across the Island, taken during the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As Jersey moves into level 1 of the lockdown framework, the installation hopes to bring people to St Helier to celebrate the resilience of our community spirit and the incredible measures that individuals and businesses continue to take to ensure the safety of all Islanders.
Matthew Wilson, Director at Smith & Williamson said: “We are extremely proud to be a part of this project. Dasa Wharton’s Portraits of Jersey in COVID-19 provide a remarkable visual record of an extraordinary time in global history and how it affects our way of life on this beautiful Island. We are delighted to support the community ambitions of Dasa and The Parish of Saint Helier by bringing these sensitive and seminal portraits to the public”.
Production is currently underway for the installation that will travel through Saint Helier, appearing in three choice locations for a period of 2-3 weeks each, thanks to the kind permission and assistance of the Parish of St. Helier.
The public exhibition will feature ten freestanding, large-scale displays, designed to house thirty of Dasa Wharton’s portraits, crafted and installed thanks to the generous efforts of local manufacturing company, Signtech.
Dasa Wharton, whose impressive resume includes photographer for the English National Ballet and The Czech National ballet, reflects that: “In my life before COVID-19, I spent lots of time travelling and photographing some of the best ballet dancers in the world.
“Now, when this part of my work has been put on pause, I had a chance to take a look at what’s happening closer to home. There are so many interesting and inspiring people in Jersey and I want to record, celebrate and share their work and their stories through my images”.
On the exhibition’s ability to encourage people back in to Saint Helier, Simon Crowcroft, The Connetable of Saint Helier commented: “The Parish of St Helier wants to encourage and facilitate this kind of artistic event in the town centre so that a trip into St Helier offers more than great shopping opportunities. Photography is an ideal art form to get people talking and to add value to a Town visit”.
The exhibition will take place around Saint Helier from September – November and will be free to visit.
