Steve Francis, Printmaking Fellow
“The AA2A Scheme has given me the opportunity to experiment and expand the boundaries of my printmaking practice.
This selection of work is concerned with the issues raised by the 'regeneration' of Bradford city centre and is derived from photographs I have taken during the past year, along with publicity for the development, old O.S. maps, graffiti and signage (which has also provided the titles for the work on display).
For me, the issues raised by urban development relate not just to the loss of familiar buildings but also the privatisation of public space and the proliferation of CCTV surveillance.
In many cities 'regeneration' has been undertaken with little genuine public consultation and an emphasis on developing the retail sector and maintaining ever higher property and land prices.
For many people therefore, ‘regeneration’ means exclusion and alienation; it remains to be seen how it develops in Bradford.”
Steve Francis, September 2010