Roland Ramanan: Dominoes
Dominoes represents a distinctive and dynamic collage of the narratives intertwined within a specific enclave of Hackney, situated in London’s East End. Within its pages dwell intimate portrayals of individuals grappling with addiction and anguish, yet also embracing the profound joys inherent in their communal bonds. Gillett Square, once abandoned and neglected, underwent a transformation in the 1990s, emerging as a laboratory for urban revitalization. Much like the game played within its confines, the lives chronicled here often teeter on the edge of instability. Over the span of a decade, Roland Ramanan had the privilege of gaining access to the inner sanctums and daily struggles of numerous local denizens, capturing through his lens their resilience amidst adversity, their familial ties, and their romantic entanglements. While some of these individuals have become his confidants, others have passed away. Dominoes delves into timeless themes of love, mortality, aspiration, and the dynamics of urban metamorphosis. It offers a candid glimpse into lives that society frequently overlooks, where sorrow coexists with an enduring glimmer of optimism.
About the Author
Roland Ramanan is a London based documentary photographer, with a background in music and education. He began photographing around Gillett Square in 2012 and continues to maintain a contact with that community. The work has featured in Vice magazine amongst others and has won various awards including being shortlisted for the Royal Photographic Society documentary awards. Roland was also a finalist in the Portrait of Britain awards. Roland’s current project focuses on the London roller skate scene and its relationship to black culture.