PERSONAL PROJECT
The Bars
My new documentary film 'The Bars' is now available to view online. I spent the summer of 2023 documenting the gyms set up by the charity Steel Warriors and the community of athletes that have grown up in London.
Steel Warriors takes knives off the streets of the UK and turns them into outdoor street workout (calisthenics) gyms. Knives are melted down and turned into bar parks that are donated to local councils. Built strategically in gang neutral zones within some of the areas most affected by violent crime. The aim to provide a healthy outlet without a price tag.
What initially drew me to make work on this subject was the simple idea of turning something so destructive into something so positive for those communities. What kept me invested in making the work was seeing the amazing dynamic, gymnastic ability of the community that use the park and the diverse mix of characters that you find there.
The resulting stills can be found in this book and online. The short film of the same name can also be found online.
Zine
A 52 page, full colour zine printed by Pure Print is available to buy through my site.
All Images by Spencer Murphy, designed by Friederike Huber.
Steel Warriors
A big thank you to Steel Warriors, especially Christian ‘Dippo’ D’ippolito, without whom I could not have made the work. All of the communities at Ruskin and Finsbury Park for welcoming me in. And a special thanks also goes to Kai, Shaqs and Simone for agreeing to be part of this and giving up their time. Thank you!
To learn more and support the charity:
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+44 (0)7811 139704
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