Shot Notes
This composite used a photograph taken by Kerim Okten. I knew as soon as I saw this image online it would be one of the defining images of the London Riots. Sure enough it was used by The Daily Star, Daily Mail, i, Daily Express, The Telegraph, The Sun and the BBC as a backdrop for their newsreaders. Its a powerful shot but I did not want to help glamorise what is ultimately pointless destruction. I’ve added some elements in an attempt to change the message.
THE RIOTERS PRAYER
Our father, who art in prison, only mum knows his name, thy Riots come, read it in the sun, in Birmingham, as it is in London, give us this day our Welfare bread & forgive us our looting, as we’re happy 2 loot those who defend stuff against us, lead us not into employment but deliver us free housing, 4 thine is the Spliff, the Blackberry & the Lager, forever & ever…Innit
A gangster with a snowman, not something you see everyday