citylikeyou — Southbank — London by Daniel Ginns

London / Area

Southbank has organically evolved into a place of cultural significance through the persistent creative use of skateboarders spanning over generations. Southbank is currently under threat of being destroyed and replaced by coffee shops and retail outlets. There has been an alternative skate spot preposed to be built under Hungerford Bridge, this at first glance seems like an appropriate solution. Unfortunately this undermines the grassroots movement that has been developed over the years. Skateboarders have utilised the unsuspecting angles of brutalist architecture in a way they were originally not intended, in doing so they have created a space that is special and unreplicable. You can help save this historic place by signing the petition.

Address
Southbank, The Undercroft, Southbank Centre, SE1, London, United Kingdom

Photographer

Current city: London

danielginns.com

Daniel originally from Portsmouth moved to London just over 3 years ago. He works in a variety of mediums. His recent work consist of setting up structures for drawing that encourage chance to determine the form, this excludes him from making any aesthetic decision. By using this conceptual logic he creates a system in which a process is started, continued for an undetermined amount of time, then finally stopped by the rule that birthed it. This thinking is also expressed in his photography which depict the unintentionally created forms of various other processes.

More Places in London 471

London / Park

The Royal Park offers great views of London and the city; As well as housing the Royal Observatory which includes a museum of astronomical and navigational tools, part of the National Maritime Museum.

London / Gallery

My walk through the Heath often continues on to the Camden Arts Centre, a really fantastic exhibition space that runs workshops and courses as well as having a great café and bookshop to boot. I collect their exhibition booklets called File Notes - beautifully designed by James Goggin and Sarah De Bondt - some memorable shows include Eva Hesse Studiowork, The Bruce Lacey Experience and Serena Korda’s Aping the Beast. The latter concluded with a procession from the gallery up to the Heath, culminating in a re-enactment of The Battle of the River Plate in a pond. This is my photo of the Beast and the Boob Meteorite.

London / Music Venue

The best live jazz band I ever heard was at a packed out night in Brilliant Corners. I was happy to be squashed.

London / Shop

Cordings situated in piccadilly is a renowned establishment for British Country clothing and tailoring - that can not only kit you out to shoot pheasant in the finest yellow ochre cords but for me offers a great selection of socks.

London / Street Art

When I first took up photography I knew it was something I wanted to do but was unsure of what I wanted to take photos off. I started out by mainly photographing London's graffiti and street art. Graffiti isn’t tolerated in London as much as in other cities (such as Berlin or Lisbon) but it has a long history in the capital and if you know where to look there's a lot of it around. Some of the best street artists and graffiti writers in the world either live in or travel to London to use it as a canvas. It's not something I photograph so much anymore but I still admire those who do it. The risks involved and their dedication are truly remarkable. I always wish I had the balls and the talent to try it myself.