Vanley Burke

Vanley Burke (born 1951) is a photographer using his position and perspective to produce work which seeks to counteract negative or stereotypical imagery of Black people found in mainstream media. His photographs capture experiences of his community’s arrival in Britain, representing members of the Black community back to themselves in an intimate portrayal. He explores and examines the different landscapes and cultures he encountered, the different ways of survival, and experiences of the wider African Caribbean community.

Vanley’s first notable exhibition, Handsworth from the Inside, was held at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, and then the Commonwealth Institute in London in 1983. Since then, his work has been exhibited at Light House, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, The Black Arts Gallery in London, Cornerhouse in Manchester and Walsall Museum and Art Gallery. In line with his focus, Vanley has additionally exhibited his work in locations more accessible to Black audiences such as community centres, pubs, churches and schools.

His work remains a feature in Birmingham with the Vanley Burke Archive a constantly growing community resource which provides insight into the daily activities and everyday lives, cultural and religious beliefs, the arts, political ideals, health and other facets affecting the Black community and others in Birmingham and in Britain.

Vanley continues to photograph the Black community in the UK and has more recently worked on a number of projects including an exhibition and publication project documenting the Asian community in Birmingham.