Swedish photographer Karin Albinsson showcases never seen before photos of the man himself, Shaun Ryder after a decade of being his personal photographer...
The city’s 24 hour party people were in attendance for the launch of acclaimed snapper Karin Albinsson’s ‘AAA Shaun Ryder and Friends’ exhibition at the Manchester Photographic Gallery last month.
Featuring images of the local legend from the past 15 years, the shots capture everyday life and post-gig goings-on for the Happy Mondays’ artist as he worked on his solo projects and fronted Black Grape.
Karin and Ryder have been firm friends after meeting at a Swedish festival in the mid 1990s, and she was even drafted in to photograph his wedding.
The series of monochrome prints are spilt into three chapters, Black Grape, Ten Mancs and On tour with Shaun, and include appearances from other musical legends such as Clint Boon, Mani and David Bowie.
Speaking of the collection, she told us: ‘Every image tells a story, and I see different aspects of each personality I photographed come through in just one shot.’
During our exclusive interview, she also revealed her favourite picture. ‘There’s one with Shaun’s dad Derek and Kermit from Black Grape, which is just so relaxed and un-posed of the two of them backstage. It brings together the two different aspects of family in Shaun’s life. ‘I like to be behind the camera and I’d always be on the sidelines capturing the most intimate and natural moments.’
Kermit himself joined the crowds to show his support for Karin, alongside Howard Marks aka Mr. Nice, who was his usual charming self,and said of Karin: ’you are indeed, an excellent photographer.’
Marks then headed to Lammars for the after event, delivering an incredible DJ set to an audience made up of The Courteeners, Denise Johnson from Primal Scream, and The Coral, who had literally stepped off their tour bus to join the party.
Also providing entertainment were bands The Little Volcanoes and Leon Meya, plus a fantastic performance from Julie Gordon, who took over from Rowetta in Ryder’s band, with her group Caulbearers. And not to mention the fabulous Charly T. Tiefenaur busking for all excited guests on arrival.
Sponsoring the event were Swedish cider connoisseurs Kopparberg, who provided the refreshment for VIP’s with their fabulous Pear and Mixed Fruit varieties which judging by the bar queue, went down very well!
Like her work with Ryder, Karin’s photography is ongoing and she will be returning to Africa next to add to her range of Sahara images.
‘Every project I do is continuous and I’m always working to add something to it, because life does not stop after the image is printed, it carries on and I enjoy documenting the changes.’
Karin’s ‘AAA Shaun Ryder & Friends’ exhibition is being showcased at Manchester Photographic Gallery located on Tariff Street in the Northern Quarter. For more information about the exhibition and how to order prints please contact Andy at Manchester Photographic Gallery on 0161 236 2446 or visit the website at: www.manchesterphotographic.com.
You can also check out Karin Albinsson’s work at: www.karinalbinsson.com
words: Jennifer Quinn
photos: Jason Lock
