In Between Gallery Shortlist: Andy Billman
Recently shortlisted for The In Between Gallery is Bedford Place III c. 1800-03 by Andy Billman from the series Daylight Robbery.
What value do we place on natural light? This photo series documents the bricked-up windows of London, examining the importance of light and air to our wellbeing.
Originally drawn to overlooked bricked-up windows by their visual form, Billman discovered some windows were blocked up to avoid the Window Tax (in place 1696-1851), stipulating the more windows one had, the more one had to pay.
The blocked up windows - some being remnants of a time when a price was actually placed on light and air - have particular resonance with life during lockdown. Windows became a priceless source of wellbeing; offering sunlight, fresh air and a means to interact with the outside world.
Beyond reflecting on these visual structures & quotes from the past, the work inspires a greater consideration for light sources we create in our spaces today.
The In Between Gallery is an ongoing series of photographic exhibitions which sit between Fabrica’s main exhibition programme, in partnership with Photo Fringe, Spectrum and Loupe Magazine. Work by emerging photographers is shown in the Fabrica window space right in the heart of Brighton, in the large picture window on Duke Street. Showing from 20 December 2021 to April 2022 is Lost Connection I Afghanistan by Rick Findler. The Open Call judging panel was made up of the project partners, together with independent curator Cairo Clarke and previous In Between Gallery exhibitor, photographer and curator Ibrahim Azab.
About Andy Billman:
Argentinan/Swiss photographer Andy is based in London and describes himself as having a curiosity for built environments and the spaces we find ourselves in. He studied photography at the London College of Communication, University of Arts London. He has spent three years at creative agency adam&eveDDB, following two years at Saatchi & Saatchi London. Blurring the lines between fine art and commercial photography, he is driven to create images that leave a lasting impact on the audiences of the projects he undertakes.