The Shot I Never Forgot
‘The Shot I Never Forgot’ is an Arts Council funded project in which participating artists were invited to share a photograph that has remained in their mind since they shot it along with the story behind its creation. Most of the artists instinctively knew which image they should share, sometimes because it was poignant, sometimes because of its personal significance or simply because it is a great photograph.
As photographers, we shoot many more images than ever see the light of day, often including fabulous stand alone pictures – shot on instinct – whilst making work for another project. Because these single images do not fit the brief, they sit gathering dust in an ever-growing archive. The Shot I Never Forgot is a chance for some of these images to be presented in their own right, for others to enjoy; a platform to enable some of these memorable photographs to be seen for the first time.
This project began in February 2013 and culminated in an exhibition and publication, held during the Brighton photo Fringe 2014. Since then, it has been lying dormant, ocassionally being dusted off to receive some new submissions!
John House, February 2018
Matt Johnston
‘New York Church, 2008’ "This image was made in New York, 2008 round the corner form a hostel I was staying at just off the Northwest corner of Central Park. For me it feeds my curiosity with the power and limitations of the photographic image and with North America. The bright neon lights seem at odds with the railings, locked cabinet and humble lettering that details the various weekly activities taking place at the church. Similarly this selection of events is both inviting and inclusive at the same time as serving as a reminder of American history. It would be disingenuous to suggest this image was carefully considered, in fact I am often frustrated to recall my eagerness to make the image above experiencing the scene in person. As I continue returning to this image it continues to confuse me, gradually becoming alien – perhaps this is why it has never found a true home in any collection or grouping of images. "
