For this exercise I have to create three images showing the link between a subject and their surroundings.

I had originally wanted to approach my neighbours, two academics, a scientist and a linguist; and an artist and ask if I could photograph them at their places of work. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak I was unable to do so, so have photographed members of my family instead.

This image is of my wife in the ‘telly room’ which is most definitely her space. Although it is the room where we both watch TV, for her it is much more of a multifunctional space. In the picture I removed some items to simplify the image, a table lamp in the bottom right hand corner which was distracting, but other than that the image represents a fairly typical scene and the elements in it are signifiers of how my wife uses the space.

In the foreground are some TV remotes which signify that the space is used for watching TV. The balls of wool, the fact that my wife is knitting and the patchwork on the wall signify this is used as a creative space, whilst the laptop signifies that the space is also used for working. My wife’s pose, the fact that she is barefoot and the cup on the arm of the sofa all are signifiers of relaxation and indicate that the space is used to relax in as well as to work and be creative.

This is a photograph of my father sitting at his kitchen table. In the background are three groups of objects that give some clue to his personality. On the shelf is a pile of CDs these signify an enjoyment of music but they can also signify someone who is somewhat old-fashioned. The photographs on the table are signifiers of the importance of people and relationships and the piles of papers on the table are signifiers of someone who is a bit disorganised and again somewhat old-fashioned. The overall appearance of the objects in the background of this image convey an impression of someone who is not too house proud and for who functionality is more important than aesthetics.

The final image is of my son who lives in a flat by himself. The elements in the image give some pointers to his personality. The computer, the tablet to his right and the random shoes on the floor signify that this is someone who whose priority is not order and neatness. In fact he has Dyspraxia which is a condition that makes sequencing and order very difficult for him and knowing this the photograph is a representation of difficulties he faces with seemingly straight-forward, everyday tasks.