Owen McK reviewed A certain logic of expectations by Arturo Soto (The Eriskay Connection -- 86)
Review of 'A certain logic of expectations' on 'Storygraph'
3 stars
Dis-enchanted Oxford. What Martin Parr's 'Oxford' photographs should have been.
144 pages
English language
Published Jan. 2, 2021 by The Eriskay Connection.
A Certain Logic of Expectations proposes a counter-narrative of the British city of Oxford that resists the visual imperatives of its ancient university. For the past five years, Mexican photographer Arturo Soto explored the longstanding division between town and gown through a careful selection of spaces and objects. His visual narrative is loosely structured around the following thematic strands: notions of home and homelessness, the looming presence of Brexit, the conflicted local economy, and the diversity of the city's neighborhoods. In short texts Soto describes his experience of the city, and his fascination with its history and myths. The work challenges an easy judgment on Oxford and its established narratives of tradition, influence, and power. In his photography as well as his written observations, Soto proves that his pen is as sharp as his eye.
Dis-enchanted Oxford. What Martin Parr's 'Oxford' photographs should have been.