An Exhibition by Shemel Rose Thompson
Shemel is a photographer from Old Trafford. This area has been imperative to her practice and inspired her to create images that concentrate on the representation of people and place. Motivated by her first hand encounters with societal challenges has driven her to be socially conscious and sign icing a call for social awareness and transformation.
Shemels’ project is an exploration of the evolving landscape of Old Trafford, specifically delving into the impacts of gentrification. As development invaded around the edge of the area, it not only transforms the physicality but also conceals and entraps the longstanding residents who call it home. Historically Old Trafford is an urban area where families were made to live, due to migration, as it was all they could afford. The incentive for profit has resulted in regeneration. The desire for a better culture resulting the displacing of those who built the community.
In a bold artistic statement, Shemel’s introspective project unfolds through the prism of self-portraiture, inviting viewers to step into her lived reality while concealing her identity. By positioning herself amidst the forgotten faces of Old Trafford, she unveils a poignant narrative that echoes the silenced voices and overlooked narratives within the area.
OT creative space 