Man’s Ruin

The title of photographer Richard Heeps’ forthcoming show is at first glance, rather misleading.

Lisa and girlfriends, Las Vegas 2001

Source: c Richard Heeps 2001- 2009

Lisa and girlfriends, Las Vegas 2001

The exhibition, entitled Man’s Ruin, presents a series of bold, vibrant images with a distinctly nostalgic feel. Nothing too ruinous at all, it seems.

Karl 'cigar man'

Source: c Richard Heeps 2001- 2009

Karl ‘cigar man’

Depicting a retro-tinged view of Americana, the work us shot largely with rare, end-of- the-line films.

The images were captured during Cambridge-based Heep’s travels throughout the US, using Mamiya RB67 and Nikon FM2 cameras.

Eileen

Source: c Richard Heeps 2001- 2009

Eileen

The saturated colours and carefully crafted compositions ooze affection for the subject. A beautiful woman in a 1950s style bathing suit looks as though she’s stepping straight out of a Hollywood movie; a diner’s interiors are imbued with a wistful romance.

Bonanza Cafe

Source: c Richard Heeps 2001- 2009

Bonanza Cafe

It’s a pleasingly playful set of images – each one creates a sense of mischief and fun, creating a longing to be back in the picture-perfect moment captured by Heeps’ lens.

Lisa 'drag strip girl', Las Vegas

Source: c Richard Heeps 2001- 2009

Lisa ‘drag strip girl’, Las Vegas

The girls are beautiful; the men are mysterious and manly.

Chevy Repair, Norfolk 2000

Source: c Richard Heeps 2001- 2009

Chevy Repair, Norfolk 2000

But what we never find out is exactly what the men’s ruin refers to….

Nylons, Norfolk 2001

Source: c Richard Heeps 2001- 2009

Nylons, Norfolk 2001

Richard Heeps’ Man’s Ruin runs from 4-26 July at Lomography East London, 117 Commercial Street, London, E1. Images used with kind permission from Richard Heeps http://www.richardheeps.co.uk

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