Two years ago, photographer Andrew Jackson spent time with a diverse group of friends who lived in the South African city of Cape Town. The purpose of his visit was to explore, through the lens of his camera, the social and political landscape of the ever-evolving and diverse nature of the 'new' South Africa.  | | 'All that it was' is at Focal Point until April 7. |
What he discovered in this and subsequent visits was that the changing nature of the country was 'symbolised' by its large cities, whose diverse and sometimes divided population make up nearly three quarters of the country demographic. Focal Point Gallery in Southend will be the home of Jackson's first ever solo exhibition that shows the relationships between the friends - mirroring that of their nation. Lesley Farrell, Gallery Director at Focal Point says. "Jackson's work is charged with anxiety and by the melancholy of longing and loss encountered when one dreams for something that may never be". 'All that it was....All that it is......' is open from Saturday, 10, February until Saturday, 7 April. | 
