Jamie Morgan on Buffalo: Future Generation

The new exhibition by Jamie Morgan Buffalo: Future Generation presents an ongoing and inclusive photographic project that revisits the disruptive and radical Buffalo style movement that was born in 1980's Ladbroke Grove. It portrays young people found through street-casting and also in the children of friends Jamie has made throughout his career, including Kate Moss, Ozwald Boateng and artists Annie Morris and Idris Khan. His new series is a celebration of British youth, representing west London’s diverse identity today.

Jamie Morgan on Buffalo: Future Generation

Buffalo: Future Generation is me just kind of exploring a subject I have always been interested in… gender fluidity, men being softer, women being strong. It’s also about social equality. In my photographs the kid of a celebrity sits next to a council estate kid. Everyone has an opportunity to shine.

The show is also about clear portraiture…honest black and white photography, created on film with no digital element.  The images also contain the hope of, what on a good day, we represent in this country. Racism is problematic but west London is one of the most integrated parts of the UK, and Ladbroke Grove especially so.

The subjects of my new exhibition are young people... but I don’t photograph them cute and smiling as is generally seen, but in serious portraits, with each subject having their own individual character. For me there is an innocence and strength there, you can see their future is about to unfold. They are on the cusp of something. It’s a moment captured before they become aware of their physical selves and of social media. Ultimately, it’s purity. They hold their strength and integrity simultaneously with their innocence.

The intention behind my work is to elevate street style into a poetic expression… but ultimately I do my work because I love photographing people. Every face, every person is completely different and its an endless journey of discovery.

All print sales from the show are going to support the Dalgarno Trust… it’s a local charity which does a range of crucial community work in Ladbroke Grove including youth groups, a food bank and an after school club. The charity also supports people suffering with loneliness and isolation. It’s important for me to give back to this area because it always been at the heart of where my work comes from. Punky reggae, the heart of Buffalo culture.

When people ask me to define the spirit of Buffalo I always say… Buffalo is really just an attitude, a way of carrying yourself and of interacting with the world.  It’s about being adventurous, challenging the norms of society, and being open and generous and to respect all things and all people.

Creatively I can’t do without… music and people.

When I’m not photographing people, you’ll find me… hanging with my ten year old son Milo.

My most treasured possession is… The Original Buffalo MA1 Jacket worn by Buffalo founder, Ray Petri.

The best meal I’ve ever eaten in London… at home, my wife is a wonderful cook!

The one thing I have always wanted to do is… let go of worrying about stuff!

The book I last read… is ‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin, highly recommended.

My guiltiest pleasure is… I don’t feel guilty about my indulgences, that only makes them worse.

The next thing on my mind is…checking Milo’s dinner in the oven, and booking my flight to NYC, I got a job next week!

Buffalo: Future Generation by Jamie Morgan  June 29-July 15 2023, The Studio, Ladbroke Hall, London W10