Vanley Burke
Artist Bios:
Vanley Burke (b. 1951) is often described as the ‘Godfather of Black British Photography’, whereby his iconic images have captured the evolving cultural landscape, social change, and stimulated debate in the United Kingdom over the past four decades. He draws strength from remaining a humble man of the community, whose personable character allows him to capture the intimate and private nature of people’s everyday lives.
Vanley’s artistic enquiry is not simply limited to black and white documentary photography, as his eccentric rebellious nature lends itself to sculpture and painting, and crafting art that gives life a shape. His simple motivation has been the preservation of culture and history through creation, documentation, and discovery which often leaks into the private.
His body of work represents possibly the largest photographic record of the Caribbean Diaspora in Britain, and as an avid collector, Vanley continues to connect histories through his substantial archive housed at the Library of Birmingham. From local community organizations to the Victoria & Albert Museum and Whitechapel, Vanley has exhibited widely in the United Kingdom, and as far afield as New York, South Africa and China.
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
A Bridesmaid at a Wedding in West Bromwich, 1979
archival inkjet print
50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
Dodgem Cars, 1973
archival inkjet print
40.6 x 50.8 cm (16 x 20 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
Boy with Flag, Wilfred, in Hansworth Park, 1970
archival inkjet print
50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
Mrs. Walker with Her Customers at Her Hairdressing Shop, Rockery Road, 1978
archival inkjet print
40.6 x 50.8 cm (16 x 20 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
Young Men on a Seesaw in Hansworth Park, 1984
archival inkjet print
40.6 x 50.8 cm (16 x 20 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
Siffa Sound System, Playing the Carnival, Hansworth Park, 1983
archival inkjet print
40.6 x 50.8 cm (16 x 20 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
Velrose, Cannon Hill Park, 1972
archival inkjet print
50.8 x 40.6 cm (20 x 16 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
Vanley Burke (British/Jamaican, 1951-)
African Liberation Day, Hansworth Park, 1977
archival inkjet print
40.6 x 50.8 cm (16 x 20 in)
Courtesy of the Artist
