PORTRAITS
A series of video portraits in collaboration with musician Hauschka, to tell simple stories of ordinary people, and the small pleasures and dramas of their lives. The project grew out of a shared interest in human connections, using Volker’s 2023 album, ’Philanthropy’ as a start point.

Jane Looks at her Father’s Paintings

4K Video (14.18 mins)
Music 'Altruism' from the album ‘Philanthropy’, Hauschka
2023

A portrait of my Mother-in-Law Jane as she looks through her late father’s paintings for the iconic Ladybird children’s books. Jane speaks about her memories of B.H. Robinson working in his home studio and discusses his approach to making the illustrations and the impact on her and her siblings’ lives. Jane is a fitness instructor based in East Sussex.

Javon Bakes a Cake (For his Mother)

4K Video (19.59 mins)
Music 'Inventions' from the album ‘Philanthropy’, Hauschka
2023

A portrait of Javon as he embellishes an extraordinary cake with flowers, glitter and thoughts of his mother. Javon speaks about his life and work as a baker and his approach to designing and making each one-of-a-kind cake. Javon is based in Oslo.

Henry Dances Under a Bridge

Hi8 Tape (6.02 mins)
Music 'Nature' from the album ‘Philanthropy’
2023

Henry dances in the street to keep his body moving after a Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis. I met Henry by chance when he was visiting London from Australia. He played a voice note using AI to me to tell his story.

Kirsten Paints a Picture

4K Video (15 mins)
Music 'Detached' from the album ‘Philanthropy’, Hauschka
2023

A portrait of Kirsten as she speaks about her new life as a farmer and her past as an artist and illustrator. She paints in a communal garden as she contemplates the birth of her twin sister’s child and thinks about the future. Kirsten works at Spitalfields City Farm in London.

Martin Dissects a Heart (In the Kitchen)

4K Video (22.09 mins)
Music 'Generosity' from the album ‘Philanthropy’, Hauschka
2023

A portrait of former Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon Martin in his kitchen whilst he dissects a heart. Martin speaks about his work as a surgeon and the effect on his family life. He discusses his early career and the ways luck, skills, tragedy and support from others played a part in the course of his career. Martin lives in London and is now the Provost of Gresham College.

Volker Prepares the Piano

Hi8 Video Tape (33mins)
2023

An intimate portrait of Volker Bertelmann in his studio, capturing his curiosity, humour and creativity. Volker speaks about the process of making music, the nature of improvising with strange objects, the reactions and expectations of audiences and the motivations behind his work. Filmed on tape in a ‘home movie’ style, the fuzzy analogue picture contrasts with the astonishing music and sounds he creates on the strings.

Volker is an Oscar Award winning composer and musician under the name ‘Hauschka’ and is based in Dusseldorf.

Nicola Flies Charlie in the Park

Hi8 Video Tape (15.01 mins)
Music 'Diversity' from the album ‘Philanthropy’
2023

A portrait of Nicola who speaks about her intimate relationship to a pet parrot called Charlie. As she flies him in Burgess Park in South London, she speaks about Charlie’s extraordinary characteristics and the ways other people engage with them in public. Nicola is a midwife based in London.