Fenton Bailey: Fentoscope, Camera Shy at Lights of Soho

Following a run of six shows, arts company Quite Useless opened its final exhibition on Thursday night at Lights of Soho, showcasing the work of photographer Fenton Bailey.

Sascha Bailey, the creative force behind Quite Useless, has saved the collaboration with his brother for last, commenting: “Quite Useless is about creating something different in order to change the perception of contemporary art. I’m thrilled to be once again be working with my brother and showcasing his unique and distinct eye”.

The exhibition displays Fenton Bailey’s exploration into the world of interactive sculpture and the unveiling of his “Fentoscope” – the photographer’s innovative modernisation of the classical invention the “Mutoscope”. Both the Fentoscope and the collection of photographs of his muse, Sarah, show Bailey’s talent for capturing raw, intimate moments that are otherwise easily missed or forgotten. His latest piece, Camera Shy, perfectly depicts this.

Since his 2013 event, Horizon, Bailey has consistently impressed audiences with his articulate vision. His candid images look deeply into love and human relations with simple yet impactful black-and-white compositions. Set alongside the vibrant light art on display at Lights of Soho, the work becomes all the more striking and absorbing.

Bailey claims he never aimed to be an artist, instead just taking photos “for the fun of it”. His love for the craft began when photographing his friends as a teenager. He has worked with his brother, Sascha, who curates his exhibitions, on a number of occasions and will continue to do so in the near future. On working with his family, the photographer says that it’s “crazy, wild, frustrating and tiring, but overall incredibly rewarding”.

On the launch of the exhibition, he stated: “The piece expresses my love for nudes, photography, light and Victorian technology. I was especially drawn to the mystery that was created by the ‘mutoscope’ and it inspired me to experiment with the idea and create something of my own.”

With his focus having been on a more erotic style for the past few years, Bailey says that he is now ready to move on to different approaches. Fenton Bailey: Fentoscope, Camera Shy celebrates his work to date before he sets sail on new and exciting projects. Photography fans should certainly keep an eye out for what the Bailey brothers have in store over the next year.  

Laura Ewing
Photos: Oksana Dotsenko

Fenton Bailey: Fentoscope is at Lights of Soho from 7^th April until 16^th April 2016, for further information visit here.