Catherine Banner, whose trilogy THE EYES OF A KING will be launched around the world in 2008, is one of the 14 subjects of Emma Hardy’s exhibition EXCEPTIONAL YOUTH at the National Portrait Gallery in London which runs until 8 April 2007. It is supported by Teen Vogue and has been curated by its European editor Jenny Dyson.
Talking about the development of the Exceptional Youth project, and the resulting portraits, Emma says: ‘Many of the young people I’ve photographed for the exhibition find themselves in a place not of their own design. They are gifted and are compelled to fulfil their promise. My pictures try to reflect the struggle of their journey, as well as the possible rewards. Their hunger, determination and defiance is what I’ve set out to explore.’
Jenny Dyson, European Editor of Teen Vogue, has been working as a fashion journalist for ten years including stints at Vogue and Elle. She also writes for the Sunday Times Style and the Telegraph magazine. She has been the eyes and ears for Teen Vogue US in Europe for the last three years and in February launched RUBBISH, a hardback fashion annual that celebrates the silly side of style.
On Exceptional Youth she says: ‘It has been a privilege to be able to celebrate young people who have followed their dreams, and gone against the grain of what many view as adolescent apathy by making a mark on the world in their own individual fields. In carving a path of difference and uniqueness they are the ultimate young rebels. Their success stories are truly inspiring.’
Sitters included in the project:
- Violinist Nicola Benedetti, 18, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Amnesty activist and young politician Alicia Kearns, 18, East Anglia
- Clarinettist and composer Mark Simpson, 17, Liverpool
- BMX world champion Shanaze Read, 17, Leeds (orig. from Crewe)
- Pro-tester and medical student Laurie Pycroft, 17, Swindon
- Model and Global Angels ambassador Lily Cole, 18, London
- Actor Daniel Radcliffe, 17, South London
- Scientist Lydia Arnold, 18, Glossop nr Manchester
- Ballet dancer Ralph Pickering, 15, London
- Gun crime lobbyist Jae’don Fearon, 13, Hackney, East London
- Gymnast Becky Downie, 14, Nottingham
- Author Catherine Banner, 17, Cambridge
- Musician and composer Alex Prior, 13, London
- Paralympian dressage champion Sophie Christiansen, 18 Sunningdale, Berks
- Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, 13, Essex
- Rapper and poet Dizzee Rascal, 21, London
- Peace activist Iris Andrews, 19, London
- Musician and member of the Mystery Jets Blaine Harrison, 21, Eel Pie Island, London
- Footballer Theo Walcott, 17, Berkshire
The Make Your Mark campaign shares the views and ethos behind the Exceptional Youth display. Business-led and government backed, the campaign aims to inspire young people to have ideas and make them happen - through business start-ups, social and community ventures and as
Exceptional Youth is part of the Photographs 1965-2006 display on the Balcony Gallery in the National Portrait Gallery (28 October 2006 - 8 April 2007)
National Portrait Gallery opening hours: Saturday-Wednesday:10am - 6pm (Gallery closure commences at 5.50pm) Late Opening: Thursday, Fridays:10am - 9pm (Gallery closure commences at 8.50pm) Recorded information: 020 7312 2463 General information: 020 7306 0055 Website: www.npg.org.uk
For further press information please contact: Catherine Bromley, Press Office, National Portrait Gallery Tel 020 7321 6620 (not for publication) Email cbromley@npg.org.uk
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