Open Source #30: Brothers by Jonathan Cochrane @ Digital Window Gallery
12 September - 27 October 2024
Jonathan Cochrane is a British/French photographer based between Bath and London. His practice explores themes of human connection to the natural environment and community structures; focusing on responses and outcries to the polarising nature of our current cultural needs.
The charity ‘A Band of Brothers’ works with disadvantaged young men, whose behavioural problems are commonly amplified by trauma, substance abuse and a lack of positive role models. With a recognition of ‘hurt people hurt people’, volunteers with similar life experiences provide a healthy contemporary male space for young people to be heard, supported and be open to a new sense of identity from a place of care.
Jonathan Cochrane was one of the many young men that has received ABOB’s work and programme. Through his series ‘Brothers’ (2022 – ongoing) Jonathan records and showcases the work and the transformative time that ran alongside his involvement.
The definition of traditional masculinity is shifting, and this shift can leave some people unsure of what it means to identify as masculine. Traditional concepts that have been applied to maleness can become corrupted; ‘strength’ can become arrogance, ‘being authoritative’ can lead to entitlement and an unaccountability for actions.
Jonathan’s practice is encouraged by some of ABOB’s processes revolving around the importance of nature. He explores this journey, drifting between suggestions of growth and nurture within masculinity, alongside depictions of trauma, unsettlement and grief. His portraits focus on the community and the faces that hold this space, mentors and mentees alike in a quiet, natural environment.
Jonathan Cochrane is a British/French photographer based between Bath and London. His practice explores themes of human connection to the natural environment and community structures; focusing on responses and outcries to the polarising nature of our current cultural needs.
The charity ‘A Band of Brothers’ works with disadvantaged young men, whose behavioural problems are commonly amplified by trauma, substance abuse and a lack of positive role models. With a recognition of ‘hurt people hurt people’, volunteers with similar life experiences provide a healthy contemporary male space for young people to be heard, supported and be open to a new sense of identity from a place of care.
Jonathan Cochrane was one of the many young men that has received ABOB’s work and programme. Through his series ‘Brothers’ (2022 – ongoing) Jonathan records and showcases the work and the transformative time that ran alongside his involvement.
The definition of traditional masculinity is shifting, and this shift can leave some people unsure of what it means to identify as masculine. Traditional concepts that have been applied to maleness can become corrupted; ‘strength’ can become arrogance, ‘being authoritative’ can lead to entitlement and an unaccountability for actions.
Jonathan’s practice is encouraged by some of ABOB’s processes revolving around the importance of nature. He explores this journey, drifting between suggestions of growth and nurture within masculinity, alongside depictions of trauma, unsettlement and grief. His portraits focus on the community and the faces that hold this space, mentors and mentees alike in a quiet, natural environment.
