#immigrantlandscapes

[hark1karan]

15/16 (10/11) #ImmigrantLandscapes: Second to last post from myself and @sikhtalk Anmol Fashions (Southall) PHOTO:@hark1karan Words coming soon! . . . . #35mm #filmisnotdead #35mmfilm #35mmodyssey #filmphotography #filmphoto #olympus #kodak_photo #fujifilm #human #immigration #southall️ #streetdreamsmag #street_photo_club #illgrammers #shoot2kill #exploreeverything #exploretocreate #urbanexploration #streetphotograhpy #travelphotography  #igworldclub #igmaster #documentary #landscape_captures #punjab #westlondon

[phykos99]

Work in progress, acrylic inks on synthetic paper for the series Immigrant Landscapes #immigrantlandscapes #youareanartist #abstractpainting #abstractlandscape #contenporaryabstractpainting #contemporarypainting #contemporaryartist #goldenacrylics #acrylicpainting #syntheticpaper #landscapepainting #atudiolife #workinprogress #studiotime #paintingstudio #fluidacrylics #juanmlopezbautista https://www.instagram.com/p/CAdDvEaHyUx/?igshid=98r3p9pxfjyl

[hark1karan]

9/16 (4/11) #ImmigrantLandscapes: Bina Musical - The Green - Kirpal Singh Bhamrah and Kuldeep Singh Sura. So here's what went down at Bina Musical. Myself and @SikhTalk were told many stories about the store, the area and the journey to England. Kuldeep Singh Sura was born in Kenya. He went back to India and then later returned to Kenya in 1957. Eventually migrating to Romford, Essex, England in 1969. The only brown family in the town, he states how nice the white people in his area were he adds. He told an anecdote from his daughters headteacher, who told the whole school that they all ought to learn from Mr Sura on how to organise their children. His children never messed around and were seen as examples of excellent parenting. He then told the story of how his daughter was slapped by a student and called a Paki. Mr Sura said go back to her and say, "if it makes you happy slapping me, then continue." The girl began to weep and is now best friends with Mr Sura's daughter. Remarkable! An example of how the tide can change with humility and self respect. This perhaps may not be the story you were all expecting. Don't shoot the messenger. This example does echo the paradoxical relationship that Punjabi Sikhs have with colonial and imperialistic Britain to this day.  Furthermore, Mr Sura came to Southall in 1979 to look for a business spot on broadway. He said the owners of businesses on broadway would not sell their space to South Asians in any way. This is why they settled for spots along The Green, hence the name "old Southall", compared with "new Southall" which refers to Broadway. And over time the area changed as white flight drastically stirred the landscape of Southall. This is a prime example of how integration (which is a two way process) was suppressed at a social/cultural and economic/business level. People wanting to set up a business and contribute financially. People wanting to dance, eat and pray in a different way, looked upon as savages, despite their "service" to the "commonwealth". Ethnically divided pockets exist all around the UK and stem from such lack of humanity and propaganda. A full recording of the conversation will be available soon

[hark1karan]

6/16 (1/11) #ImmigrantLandscapes: New Fabric Shops (Michael) - The 2nd installment features Michael of New Fabric Shops on The Green. Going into the shop myself and @SikhTalk didn't know what to expect and whether if anyone would speak to us. We had quite the opposite. We were met by a friendly man called Michael of Cypriot descent. Not perhaps what you were expecting from a fabric shop in Southall? Well his farther has been running the store for 25 years. It was extremely easy to talk to Michael and ask him about Southall and his interaction with the area.  So what has he observed. He resides in North London so it's not an area he lives in, but frequents regularly for work. Often customers speak to him in Punjabi however they soon realise he doesn't. A few wanted to speak to another assistant. Despite that he is able to serve customers and meet their needs. He is still able to understand the tastes he needs to cater for. For many language is a barrier, however this can be overcome when both parties work together, which is the case in this scenario. Immigrants have a history of setting up businesses areas where they are minorities and succeeding. This is an example of a minority within a minority. The owner employing his own and people from the communities which make the up the diverse South Asian/African mix of the area. No doubt this will continue to change as Europeans also become part of the customer base. Most importantly they are able to offer affordable prices to customers who work minimum in most cases. Michael also stated that people are moving further afield as employees and customers move up the social mobility ladder. He did say house prices are increasing rapidly. Could Southall be gentrified? Is this something Southall is ready for? How will a community set on being landlords cope with the cultural and social changes?