R.I.O.T.

I had the pleasure of photographing the group exhibition, R.I.O.T. Reclamation In Our Time, at Saatchi Gallery for the artist, STIK, who was one of the exhibitors and an integral support to the show. Sixteen international artists were invited for their skill sets, from fine artists to street artists; and tasked with transforming riot helmets into Peace Helmets. The exhibiting artists were: Stik (UK), Carrie Reichardt (UK), Ghalamdar (Iran), Busk (UK), Dr Zadok (UK), JF-Ink (France), Gnasher (UK), Wild Drawing (Indonesia), NME (UK), Dmark (Germany), Si2 (UK), Xenz (UK), Kay One (France), Otto Schade (Chile), Charlie McFarley (UK), My Dog Sighs (UK) with exhibited photography by Wayne Anthony. The sixteen riot helmets began their journey on the front lines of public disorder operations for law enforcement in the United Kingdom. The curator, Wayne Anthony’s objective was to reclaim the helmets with the intention of bringing balance to these unloved objects by reversing the negative energy pent-up in each of them through the medium of art. Photographing the art before an opening and experiencing the tranquil hush of a gallery space in the quiet hours is always a privilege.