The late Susan Sontag once professed that “all photographs are memento mori. To take a photograph is to participate in another person’s (or thing’s) mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time’s relentless melt.” Sontag’s theory provides an acute explanation of why people continue to be so drawn to the medium – and, more to the point, are able to form a personal connection with certain images almost instantaneously.
A personal collection of photography, therefore, offers a valuable insight into the heart, mind and soul of its owner. Now, a brilliant new initiative by charity Neuroblastoma UK, presents a rare opportunity to start or expand upon a portfolio of works by obtaining a fantastic photographic print by 35 renowned artists – including David Sims, Coco Capitan, Hart + Leshkina, Elaine Constantine and Gareth McConnell – for just £100.00 in a flash auction. Starting from today, photo enthusiasts can log on to the charity's dedicated Neuroblastoma Photo Campaign microsite and snap up a collectible work that takes their fancy. But (as always) there’s a twist. The author of each 6x4 image remains anonymous until they are safely delivered to the buyer in question. So, what you decide to invest in is based purely on instinct. Consider it an invaluable game of valuable works, with all proceeds going to a very important cause. There are just 80 prints in total. On your marks...