Tom Whelehan
Fear Less
My work explores new aesthetics in journalism and social documentary. I am interested in cycles of history that repeat themselves rather than having been extinguished over time. Recent homophobic assaults in London coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots for LGBTQ rights. This led to deeper examination of the term “phobia” and that which we fear. The bus has long been both a vehicle for public transport and a participant for social progress; a mobile symbol of liberty and equality. Yet, too often we choose to use it as a tool for division rather than unity. Using the #31 bus and its route where an assault on a lesbian couple occurred provided an opportunity to invite strangers and fellow passengers, particularly those whose appearance evoke an polemic response, to participate in challenging our fear of one another by asking the question: What are you afraid of?
Sam Anthony • Daniela Conde Quinones • Hannah Dunsmore • Lucy Hunter • Gaby Matias-Valencia • Josh Murfitt • Debbie Naylor • Terrence Phearse • Hazel Vint • Tom Whelehan • Wo Xinyue •
Brighton University
MA Photography
Falmouth University
MA Photography (Flexible Learning)
Goldsmiths University of London
MA Photography: The Image & Electronic Arts
London College of Communication
MA Photojournalism & Documentary Photography
London College of Communication
MA Photojournalism & Documentary Photography (Part-time/Online mode)
University of Portsmouth
MA Photography
Royal College of Art
MA Photography
University of South Wales
MA Documentary Photography
Ulster University
MFA Photography
University of Westminster
MA Documentary Photography & Photojournalism