Tim Foster's 'Superman's Pockets' exhibition and book announced

Tim Foster will exhibit this December to mark the publication of his first book, ‘Superman’s Pocket’s’. The book and show are made up of a series of images of real life ‘superheroes’ taken by Foster over a period of eighteen months as he followed these very British eccentrics.


‘Superman’s Pockets’ is the result of a collaboration between the photographer and publishing and design agency, Fivefootsix. The limited edition, spandex covered, book features six of the nine 'superheroes' that Foster captured on film; namely, 'Maths Man', 'Captain Beany’ ‘Dougy', 'Mr Methane', ‘Angle-Grinder Man' and 'Supertranny'. All nine will be included in the exhibition, with the majority attending the launch event at No 1, Piazza, Covent Garden; a reflection of the relationship that Foster developed with them. It’s also indicative of the quality of the beautiful, honest and unconstructed photographs, which are not judgemental or patronizing, but reflect the genuine affection, respect and empathy that Foster felt for each individual.

‘Superman’s Pockets’ runs from Dec 10th-16th, No 1, Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC1, 10 am – 7pm, daily. Admission Free.
Private View, 7-10pm, December 11th. Strictly by invitation only
For all press enquiries please contact Bakul Patki at plan b,
bakul@planb.uk.com, + 44 (0) 7984 462 358
www.timothyfoster.co.uk

Why?

The photographer became interested in the idea of the hero and ‘superhero’ following the September 11th attacks, which later led him to research real life ‘supermen’. The concept of people living dual lives; their everyday personas contrasting the 'superhero' alter egos and the resulting internal battle, as well as that with society, to be able to live out their fantasies in public rather than behind closed doors, was the inspiration for his observations.

Foster documented the lives and experiences of nine men throughout Britain and discovered that the thing they had most in common was not the seemingly obvious; their superficial eccentricities, but a shared honesty in the way they carried out their lives and followed their dreams. They also share a certain frailty, which fascinates him; particularly that, in this way, they differ so radically from the all-American image of what, physically, would constitute a superhero. A particular Britishness that stood out alongside their bravery and humanity drew Foster towards these characters, and he has successfully conveyed this in the work. Of these characteristics Tim says, “Even though American culture has become all pervading, we still retain something quintessentially British. The more I saw them fighting with abusive teenagers and changing in grotty toilets, the more I realised they were only human after all’.

Captain Beany


The phone rang and a heavy welsh accent exclaimed, “look no further, I am an orange superhero from planet Beanus.” captain Beany had found me.

Although Mr. Methane had described him to me as “the maddest person you’re ever likely to meet” I liked Beany instantly, and put methane’s comments down to superhero rivalry.

My24-hours with him began at11am with a few pints of cider. Beany, or Barry as he’d been known before changing his name by deed poll, told me he’d come up with the idea for captain Beany during a fundraising stunt...

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Dougy


I’d describe Dougy as feral; a wee and wiry Glaswegian man from a time that England long forgot. He’d made a name for himself in the 1980’s on a television talent show where his act consisted of wearing a superman costume, balancing on a chair and pretending to fly...

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Super tranny


The first time I met Supertranny was on the tenth floor of a tower block in the heart of the Isle of Dogs, a former BNP hot spot and the last place you might look for a transvestite Superhero.

To start off, I had some trouble with the he/she issue, but soon realised that Toni, or Supertranny, was a ‘he’ until the wig went on. Toni assured me he wasn’t gay, “I still fancy women,” he said in his low, soft voice, “but I just like to dress up as one, it’s a nice feeling...

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