Jake Hoffman 

With social and political agendas, a continued theme within the field of representation is that of urban youth culture. Though capturing the symptoms of raw urban life and the complex constructs of identity itself in a vulnerable fashion. The methodology and style of image-making is derived from a rapport and emotional obligation guided by social responsibility, that further humanises a vastly obscure lifestyle in a nuanced manner. Invariably, the subject matter addresses the systematic problematics of social and societal limitations, which only adds to the pendulum and complexities of those at the centre of the narrative.

When representation is personified by that of the detached observer, it can weave emotive and informative narratives in the ethos of the lifestyle and traits of the multi-layered essences of distinct cultural and communal groups. As the photographic medium evolved so to did the ethical and moral reasonings of the documentary practice. It is within this rubric that the cultural and communal affiliation of the photographer became a non-necessity in modes of representation. Guided by a moral philosophy and creative process of non-intrusion, the capacity for authenticity and visceral immersion became a defining characteristic of the practice.

The urbanistic qualities of youth culture were portrayed through dedicated engagement, disciplined practice, and a rare measure of human awareness, through an analysis of lifestyle, social affiliation, and their harmonious structures. With the dramatic nature of the imagery often reflecting this trajectory. Reflecting perseverance and devotion, the practice is further illuminated through the production of the photographic publication, which evolved into a space for didactic collaboration, where stories were told on the subject’s accord and the photographic medium was utilised as a mode to challenge generalisations.