In the lead up to this year's Brighton Photo Biennial, we will be inviting staff and friends to discuss their Desert Island Pics.
During BPB12, Stephen Bull will be presenting 'Desert Island Pics' - loosely based on the Radio 4 programme Desert Island Discs, where guests are invited to select 8 tracks they would wish to have with them on a desert island.
Our first member of staff to join the discussion is Joy Stacey - one of our fantastic interns. Joy's choices of image reflect the impact of isolation the the island would bear on her mental state; conjuring allusions to escapism and fantasy as a form of indulgence, sanctuary and hope.
"When trapped on a desert island, I suspect my priorities would change. My current interests in reality and documentary would have to be shelved, and consquently my choices are on the basis of aesthetic pleasure and fantasy." - Joy
Joy's Desert Island Pics:
Mark Morrisroe, Fascination (Jonathan), 1983
Morrisroe's short life was spent weaving a fantastical visual account of his existence. Taking a leaf out of his book would help me pass the time.
Andrew Uniake, Untitled, approx. 1902 [above]
My great grandfather took this on the deck of the Saint Andrew, on his way back from fighting in the second Boer War. It disturbs me; I want to know what the young man at the railing is thinking.
Yves Klein, Le Saut dans le vide, 1960
Klein embodied escapism.
Andreas Gurksy, Kaminokande, 2007
When I saw this print I became instinctively absorbed by it. It would also make a good wall for a hut.
Stanislaw Witkiewicz, Ghost, 1935
Simple, but always entertaining.
Gregory Crewdson, Untitled (boy with hand in drain), 2001 - 2002
As with many photography students, Gregory Crewdson was one of my first loves, and his narratives leave enormous scope for exploration.
Ori Gersht, Liquidation, The Mountain, 2005
Put simply, this image is incredibly beautiful.
David Scherman, Lee Miller in Hitler's Bathtub, 1945
Lee Miller spent years in the desert (be it with a tent and a multitude of loves), longing to escape and ended up in Hitler's bathtub. The only way is up.
Join the debate: