A Picture of Health is made up of 16 enigmatic images that can perhaps best be described as ‘epic portrait-scapes’. Fullerton-Batten's use of complex yet subtle set lighting makes this collection truly fit for the big screen. And as well it might, for each sitter has contributed more to the positive advancement of healthcare than many that have received far grander pictorial homage. Fullerton-Batten's work reveals the photographer as a true artist. Her genius here lies in her ability to project a strange suspense around her subject whilst actually doing little more than dishing out the facts. Huge attention to the most fitting environment has been given to each well-researched sitter, suspended in flawless cinematic lighting. In fact you would be forgiven for wondering if these images were in some way digital montages, as the exceptional clarity produces deep layers of colour and light within each print. The breathing space allowed in each image pays homage to the professional field that has supported the sitter in their individual work. This of course only adds to the attractive surrealness of this collection and amplifies still further the viewer's intrigue toward each sitter. Sir Derek Wanless, Professor Lord Robert Winston, Professor Sir Brian Jarman, Claire Rayner, Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, Sir Iain Chalmers, Professor Sir Cyril Chantler, Nick Partridge, Christine Hancock,... the list of notables goes on into the night... Warmly frozen in time, this collection is a significant anthropological record of contemporary medical excellence. We see Ray Shannon, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, photographed behind the sliding glass window of what appears to be an A&E check in desk. He holds a phone poised and away from his face with respectful intent. A ponderous glint in his eyes inadvertently invites the viewer to speculate on the huge task of effectively modernising the ambulance service. Sheila Kitzinger is compassionately framed by the rich continental colours of the drapes and quilts of her four poster bed, where she often works. Fullerton-batten aims high and hits the mark when trying to summarise Sheila's massive contribution to midwifery by the use of this caring, vibrant and most fertile of locations. Another image shows Nola Ismael OBE—standing tall and calm, highlighted with strong positive light amongst the relative uncertainty of the randomly positioned desks surrounding her. A book is placed confidently to her right suggesting assurance in her responsibility for ethnic minority health issues and ethnic staff development in the NHS. The NPG and Fullerton-Batten have confidently delivered a most important and enjoyable body of work that rewards and educates the viewer whilst showing deep gratitude to each sitter's contribution to healthcare.
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Dec 29, 2017
Michael C Klein + 2
Open Access
