Battle Collage

Born in London in 1980, to a hippy working class family, James grew up in modest but loving conditions. London, with all its facets had big influences on him. He had on one hand a happy family life, and on the other hand he was exposed to the dark gritty side of urban life. The amazing diversity both human and urban has shaped him. And for him this is still the essence of life - he needs diversity around him. He never lived in “London poverty” but he was close to it and felt the effects of it. He saw aggression, intimidation and fear on the streets and he felt frightened and felt aggression towards himself. But he found ways to avoid or escape it. He describes himself as a follower, easily distracted. Even as a child, he wanted to experience the “wrong side” of London and he did. And this path he chose, sent him on a dangerous route for many years. All the feelings and experiences he made come through in his photography. In his own words: “I never forget where I came from. I like my city raw. I’m honest and sensitive about where I am. I’m drawn to decay and neglect. Sadness and a loneliness. Fear and anger. And the repetitive nature and routines of city life” James Saint Claire, 2019