Steven Berkoff may be best known as an English actor, author, playwright and theatre director, but this month he will be showcasing a previously unseen collection of his photography, ‘Homeless in Hollywood’ at the Wex Photo Video Gallery in London.
40 of Berkoff's images will be on show – shot on film from 2000 to the present day. The collection is a modern look at the contradictory lifestyles in the Hollywood area.
Interview: Steven Berkoff on photography
Homeless in Hollywood
Berkoff decided to take an alternative view of those who make their homes in this renowned fashionable location, by exploring a world of hope and happiness amongst those usually hidden from the public eye.
The images have been captured over the last two decades, and portray an array of people making the most of their situations and forming communities.
Berkoff originally took an interest in photography in the mid-1960s, taking candid shots of his local community in East London on his Rolleiflex camera, on which he continues to shoot today.
The juxtaposition between the lights and glamour of Los Angeles, and the homeless who make their lives on the streets, shows that determination rivals ignorance. This project denotes a more realistic view of the city known for its beautiful people; showcasing a more relatable community.
Steven Berkoff
Where and when?
‘Homeless in Hollywood’ will be held from Monday 25 February to Monday 15 April 2019 at the Wex Photo Video Gallery in London E1, with free entry.
The photographic exhibition will be accompanied by a documentary-style film showing Steven interviewing the characters featured in the images.
“We’re excited to host the inaugural showing of Steven’s thought-provoking project, which captures the essence of real life co-existing behind the glitz of the Hollywood neighbourhood, and the personalities of the people living on the streets," says Matt Devine, head of content at Wex Photo Video.
"We’d like to thank Steven for accepting our invitation to present this unique collection to the public. It’s an absolute honour to be able to share his work with new audiences via the Wex Photo Video Gallery.”
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