UNREPORTED UPRISINGS: A SNAPSHOT OF RESISTANCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY INÈS ELSA DALAL
This October, NOW Gallery welcomes back its celebrated exhibition series, Human Stories, with a compelling solo show by documentary photographer Inès Elsa Dalal. Titled Unreported Uprisings, the exhibition will run from October 11 to November 17 and offers a rare look at the wave of strike actions that swept across the UK in early 2023.
Dalal’s work captures a pivotal moment in recent British history, where various groups, including train drivers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, junior doctors, and civil servants, staged strikes demanding fair wages and better working conditions. These images chronicle a time when the nation was on the verge of a major turning point, as the collective actions nearly resulted in a General Strike.
Since her early days photographing the 2011 uprisings following the death of Mark Duggan, Dalal has been committed to documenting social movements and highlighting the voices of those who are often overlooked. Her photography seeks to answer the essential question: “Who am I photographing, and why?” This self-reflection has shaped her work, leading her to focus on the stories behind the protests and the people at their heart.
Unreported Uprisings reflects Dalal’s dedication to capturing the lived experiences of those on the front lines of social change. Between January and March 2023, she spent time with striking workers across the UK, documenting not only their demonstrations but also the broader context of their struggles for fair pay and rights. Her images are intimate and thoughtful, offering a nuanced portrayal of the protestors’ resilience and solidarity.
Curator Kaia Charles comments “This exhibition is an important exploration of the right to protest and the power of community. Dalal’s approach combines documentary photography with street portraiture to create a human-centred narrative. We hope this exhibition provides a space for audiences to engage with these issues, reflect, and consider the ongoing fight for workers’ rights.”
Inès Elsa Dalal, born in Nottingham to a Swiss-Italian mother and a German-Parsi father, brings a unique perspective to her work, informed by her diverse heritage and upbringing in Birmingham. Now based in London, she continues to explore themes of justice and solidarity through her photography.
Reflecting on her latest project, Dalal says, “Unreported Uprisings is about more than just the images; it’s about supporting those who are fighting for fairness and equity. These issues are not just stories from the past—they are current, ongoing challenges that affect many people across the country. It’s crucial that we pay attention and advocate for change where it’s needed.”
Visit NOW Gallery from 11th October to 17th November to experience Unreported Uprisings firsthand. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with the stories behind the headlines and consider the ongoing struggles for justice and fair treatment in today’s society.
