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 Bonnington Gallery:

Robb Claytons 'Estate Series' were the images that I was drawn to the most out of the whole exhibition and features two images. One of what looks like a married couple standing behind a cash register in a corner shop, and the other is a close up of a table with with milk, sugar and an old radio on top of it. I was particularly draw to these two images as as the colour grading that has been used seems vibrant in a way that contrasts the mundane settings.

In the first photograph my eyes are immediately drawn to the multitude of alcohol and cigarette packets stacked behind the cash register, and the junk food sprawled across the counter top. It reminds me of the toner shops near my own home that I would go to as a teenager to be able to buy cheap sweets and energy drinks and I believe that this setting invokes a nostalgic feeling for the viewer. As if they were getting a glimpse back to their school days. When looking closely I can see that there are tower block flats in the distance outside the window and the sky seems grey and bleak. I think that this allows the piece to feel moody and provides a contrast to the bright red counter top. The couple seem to be giving a small smile, as if to invite the viewer in to their shop and I think that this eases the gloomy mood that the weather outside has created and creates a sense of warmth and familiarity within the piece that the viewer is able to connect to. 

The second image features inanimate objects instead of people as the subject and I think that this immediately creates a barrier for the viewer that isn't there in the first image. when looking at this photograph it seems cold and uninviting, the cool tones of the pale blue adding to this atmosphere. It is minimalistic and devoid of bright, warm colours. I think that the retro radio allows the viewer to be taken back in time and the lack of a variety of food or drink on the table makes it seem as if we are witnessing a 50s 'struggle meal'. I believe that this invokes a sense of empathy within the viewer as the majority of the population have all been in a similar situation at one point in their lives. 





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