The ongoing series Correspondence, combines ‘found’ photography with new photographic work. An initial discovery of old postcards at Greenwich market inspired Paul to retrace and photograph the depicted locations.
‘I aim to highlight how the land has changed physically, by neglect, ‘development’ or sometimes coastal erosion, and the way the landscape has changed culturally, illustrating changing trends. The work exposes clichés within these rose-tinted tourist towns and offers a modern day alternative to the picturesque.
© Paul Greenleaf
The written notes from the cards, with all their inherent idiosyncrasies are integral to the work, providing a narrative to the photograph and a unique insight into people’s lives.
With the original postcards exhibited alongside the photographs, I invite a direct comparison between the past and present, both being subjective viewpoints. The 21st century ‘reality’ of the locations offers a stark contrast to the often vibrantly coloured dream-like postcard images, revealing a personal view of contemporary Britain.’
As the project progresses, the collection of photographs and postcards builds, the intention being to cover the whole of the UK and eventually abroad. The work aims to become a conceptual social document and a critique of changing places and culture.
