Liz Johnson Artur's PDA: Capturing London's Underground Scene

Photographer Liz Johnson Artur's extensive archive, spanning three decades, illuminates "the people I'm with" with radiant intimacy and brilliance. Her latest book, PDA, delves into London's underground queer music scene, focusing on the popular club night that ran in Hackney from 2011 to 2021. PDA nights were renowned for their inclusivity, a stark contrast to earlier, more segregated scenes, embracing all who attended regardless of background.

Artur, drawn to the scene's energy and freedom, captured party-goers in black and white and color images. These photographs, often taken spontaneously, immerse viewers in moments of dance, connection, and self-expression. The book also reflects her lifelong interest in self-fashioning, stemming from childhood experiences of extended travel with strangers, which instilled a deep empathy for individual stories and human existence.

The collection showcases Artur's nuanced perspective, moving beyond mere nightlife documentation to reveal a community creating safe spaces for each other. Her work highlights the temporary nature of these vibrant scenes, acknowledging their eventual end while celebrating the joy and freedom experienced within them. The book serves as a powerful testament to resilience, desire, and the fleeting beauty of shared moments.