Photographer, artist and documentary filmmaker Giulietta Verdon-Roe‘s personal work is presently focused on a long-term documentary project about the island and way of life of North Ronaldsay, the furthest northern island of Orkney. It’s a fascinating story of a potentially dying island.
Giulietta first visited the island in 2008 when there
were 63 residents, 4 of which were children and attended the local school. On her second visit earlier this year, the population had dropped to 53 residents and an empty school – a concern to the both the residents and local authorities as well as the surrounding islands and their future.
Whilst Giulietta intends for this to be a continuing piece of work, she willshowcase a selection of images at her latest exhibition, as you are, at the Rich Mix in Bethnal Green from 15th July to 15th August.
Through her photography, Giulietta is able to offer a brilliant insight into a culture that has essential remained unchanged for many years.
These pictures to my mind do not express the warmth of character and kindness of the islanders, both on and off film, and the vitality and beauty of the island. Although the artist intends to ‘document’ the natual decline of the aging population due to lack of employment oppertunities ect., she appears intent on creating an exaggerated, dramatic storyline for the sake of her art.