Talented Sean Pines’ Portraits is a vivid mix of current images taken from the ordinary life in the East End.
You might think of Bruce Springsteen’s first magazine covers, back in the 1970’s, or take a leap into a 1960’s John Cassavetes’ freeze frame to catch such a snapshot effect, as Pines’ clear aim is to portray common people in their ordinary lives. Renowned landlords and old established restaurateurs from the nearby play their role, acting naturally. Nevio Pellicci, from the 1940’s style Pellicci Cafe in Bethnal Green Road, strikes a strict pose gazing the camera sporting his self confidence as one of the most respected local cafe managers. Two kitchen porters stand behind him, adding a threatening tone to the shot, named “Pellicci boys”. But the whole “gangster-clichè taste” fades away as the next picture portrays Maria Pellicci with a violin case: it contains a sfilatino sandwich instead of a more “predictable” machine gun. That’s only a example of the pop art touch you can find visiting Portraits. When you get in, meet Roger & Fossie from The Nags Head pub in Walthamstow; they tenderly sit hand in hand under an impressive vintage Jimi Hendrix poster for there’s no need to add a “we’ve been working here since Jimi’s heydays” caption below their faces. Don’t wait too long to get your chance to visit it: closing day, October 30.
Address: 320 Bethnal Green Road (entrance via Voss st.), London E2 0AG
Transport: Bethnal Green
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