Jordan Ridout wins AUB Spectrum Photographic Prize

Jordan Ridout has won the AUB Spectrum Photographic Prize 2021. The prize is a partnership between Spectrum Photographic and Arts University Bournemouth. Ridout won for his project focusing on the themes of Play, Chance, Failure which come together in the (un)decided moment. He says he was ‘shocked and excited’ to hear he had won the prize. “There were so many amazing works at the exhibition. “To have been selected made my first exhibition even more special. Thank you again.”

Playing with different ideas

Ridout developed his interest in cameras during a TV and film course at college. However, something just did not feel right. “I ended up taking a gap year to figure out what it was that felt off and this is when I got my first 35mm camera,” says Ridout. “In that year I fell in love with photography.” A number of different elements help push Ridout’s work and inspire him. He wanted to bring together the elements of Play, Chance, Failure and relate it to photography by making it a game. “Throughout this project, I would put myself in a room with my camera and play with different ideas,” he says. “More recently, this has been something I’ve found to be difficult. “It has been helpful going to exhibitions and being around other creatives, seeing new work on Instagram as it makes sure that I’m keeping my head in the art world.” Two key artists that inspired this project were Tom Pope and John Baldessari. Both explore a playful nature and process which inspires Ridout’s own. He also sought inspiration from two books in particular. Robin Kelsey’s Performing for the Camera, Photography and the Art of Chance and From the Presence to the Performative by David Green and Joanna Lowry.

Exploring cyanotype

Looking to the future, Ridout has lots of plans for new projects. He recently had time to explore his fascination with the cyanotype process. “I had an idea for a video performance in which I would sit in the sun with a book covered in the chemicals to create a cyanotype book. “This continues the idea of chance and playfulness from ‘the undecided moment’ but in a completely different way. “I want to continue more work like this in the future.” Ridout is also creating work for PlayFortyFive – a new group project focusing on a single room in your house. You have 45 minutes to create and capture anything with the theme of Play.

OPUS Collective

Ridout is also the lead designer for OPUS Collective. The collective is a group of 28 recently graduated BA photography students from Arts University Bournemouth. “We came together during our final year against the odds of the lockdown to exhibit our graduate showcase at The Truman Brewery in July,” says Ridout. A small group of artists from the collective are currently exhibiting major projects and new work. The collective’s second exhibition is on at Pen Gallery, Poole, until October 3.

Jordan Ridout

Ridout wants to continue exploring the playfulness performance. He would also like to create books and hold more exhibitions. Find out more at jordanridout.co.uk.