Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.

The towns and villages of Ibiza provide a rich source for street photography. Care is required as you are in another country and people are generally on holiday. They may not take kindly to having their photograph taken. The island is very attractive. The sun drenched streets and white reflective houses are a challenge and my polarised filter was needed. As I was on a family holiday, my transport options were limited to taking pictures during the day. Any sunrise or sunset pictures were taken in and around the villa where we were saying and these form the basis of another blog about the island. 

The interior of the churches that I visited were fascinating.  The church at Sant Miquel de Balansat had beautiful frescoes on the ceiling. At St Gertrude, the church, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera church, was set back from the central thoroughfare. Inside you escaped the heat and were able to take in and marvel at the surrounding fixtures and iconography around the church.

I enjoyed photographing this selection taken around the island.  The places are described in the captions.

Eivissa – The old town

Elvisa, Ibiza, August 2025
Scooter and car getting close.
Elvisa, Ibiza, August 2025
What is everyone looking at?
Elvisa, Ibiza, August 2025
Looking cool in the heat.
Elvisa, Ibiza, August 2025
Adverts for the nightlife are everywhere.
Elvisa, Ibiza, August 2025
Bikes for shopping.
Elvisa, Ibiza, August 2025
Family stories on an Ibizan holiday.

Sant Miquel de Balansat

Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.
The church at Sant Miguel, one of the oldest and most famous churches on Ibiza.
Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.
Church Interior.
Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.
Beautiful frescos on the ceiling of the Church.
Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.
Statue of MariΓ  VillangΓ³mez de Llobet, poet, translator, linguist, essayist and teacher.
Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.
Colours of the town.
Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.
Nearly finished the walk around the town.
Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.
Ready for a drink at the local bar.

Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera

Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
Waling along the boulevard in Santa Gertrude.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
Church entrance.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
Calvin Harris is everywhere.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
Inside the Church.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
The locals leave the tourists to their own business.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
Whitewashed walls, windows and shadows.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
Family fun with a hollowed out statue.
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. Ibiza, August, 2025
More fun with the family.

Another island in the Mediterranean to read out – Check it out.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025

The newest addition to Paradise Birmingham, Three Chamberlain Square, is close to opening. This distinctive building sits next to the historic Town Hall and is stone’s throw from Victoria square. Its exterior design incorporates natural terracotta tones, giving a warm red ochre glow to the rows of vertical lines. Walking past the building, I often wondered what it would be like to look around inside and longed to visit the terrace on the top floor.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Three Chamberlain Square.

I was therefore delighted when an invitation arrived from Core, the marketing team promoting Paradise Birmingham. They were hosting a special Photographers’ Event at Three Chamberlain Square to mark World Photography Day.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
The BT Tower framed by the red beams.

On a warm but initially cloudy afternoon, a collective of photographers gathered in Chamberlain Square near the new building. There were many familiar faces amongst the group, and we did not have to wait long before being taken into the foyer of Three Chamberlain Square. The entrance is impressive, with a large, open multipurpose area. After a short introduction, we went straight up to the ninth floor and the terrace.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
The Birmingham skyline

The terracotta design was an instant hit with the photographers, and we all had to be careful not to photobomb each other’s shots. The photographic talent among the group was very high, and I knew their images would be excellent. My own thought was, try something different, easier said than done when surrounded by such skilled photographers.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Inside looking out.

Reaching the ninth floor, the sun broke through the clouds. Before stepping onto the terrace, I paused to capture the light as it streamed into the room. Then it was time for the terrace itself, which offered stunning views across the city. The red support beams provided a perfect frame for iconic landmarks. I was able to capture the Octagon, BT Tower, the Rotunda, 103 Colmore Row, and the Town Hall clock, each neatly framed by the beams. Using my telephoto lens I was able to capture the street scenes below.  The terrace was undoubtedly the highlight of the visit and will be an instant favourite for those working in the building.

We then moved down to the eighth floor to view the open-plan offices. I took several pictures, and while the space itself was impressive, my eyes kept drifting to the windows. People working there will certainly not be boredβ€”the passing trams and other activities below may prove to be quite a distraction.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Colmore Row stories.

Although I had to leave before the full tour was over, the terrace remained the highlight of my photographic journey through the building. On my way back to the car, I captured a few final shots outside. What struck me most was the contrast of styles: the terracotta of Three Chamberlain Square set against the Roman revival elegance of the Town Hall, with the towering Octagon rising in the background.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Different Styles

Birmingham looks splendid with its mix of bold new buildings complementing the city’s historic landmarks.  Thank you to Paradise Birmingham for allowing us to photograph this beautiful building.

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025
Picture of me taken by Ell Brown on the terrace. Thanks Ell.

If you like tall buildings then I have highlighted more reading about my photographic visits on my blog.

Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025

Elmdon Manor Walled Garden is hidden away behind Solihull Moors Football Club and is accessed via Damson Parkway. The roads are busy with large transporters and trucks carrying cars and supplies to and from Jaguar Land Rover Solihull. The lane to the gardens is signposted for Elmdon Park and St Nicholas’ Church, Elmdon. It is an easy turn to miss.

Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
The wall is becoming overgrown.
Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
Passing through the entrance.

Elmdon House was once a large stately home that fell into disrepair after the second world war and was eventually demolished in 1956. The walled garden was part of the estate, supplying produce to the house. Today, it is managed by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. The original walls of the kitchen garden still stand, although they are in a poor state of repair. Clearly marked paths guide you through the site, and the highlights include the old orchard within the ruined walls, the adjacent woodland, and a meadow that opens up within the trees close to the Moors football ground. The pond, often covered with algae in summer, is usually much clearer during the winter months.

Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
Fruit on the trees.
Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
Fences overgrown.

.
The area is a haven for wildlife and also offers many photographic opportunities. I usually visit once or twice a year with my camera and always come away with a set of images. I begin in the walled garden, where in late summer the trees of the old orchard are heavy with fruit. This year the area is very dry. The woodland adjoining the garden is ancient, filled with trees that form striking patterns. Fallen trunks lean against others, creating natural corridors of light. The atmosphere is shaped not only by nature but also by human presence: the sounds of warehouse workers drift through the trees, and the noise from Solihull Moors’ training pitches carries across the reserve.

Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
Twisted overgrown trees.
Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
The woodland trees.
Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
Apple trees in the old orchid

The sudden appearance of a meadow within the woodland brings an unexpected openness and is a peaceful spot to pause and reflect. My photographs capture the abundance of fruit, the tangle of overgrown vegetation, and the play of light within the woodland. They also record the contrast between nature and modern development, as the reserve sits cheek by jowl with metallic warehouses and floodlights. Such an oasis is a delight to visit with the bonus of being close to home.

Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
The meadow in the sun.
Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
Berries are ripened in the meadow area.
Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025
Football lights between the trees.

Someone mentioned they would like to see the pictures of Elmdon Manor in the wintertime. I do not have pictures yet but I do have a blog entry showing Solihull woodland in the snow.

Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025

Collecting artwork through my photography is one of my long-running projects. My interest in Luke Jerram’s work began during the pandemic, when BBC Midlands, was filming his large-scale artworkΒ In Memoriam. The installation, set next to Aston Hall, was the subject of one of my earlier blogs. Briefly, Luke used blue and white hospital bed sheets to create a circular medical logo that stretched across a field. I was fortunate not only to meet him but also to talk with him about how this work came about and even to take his portrait photograph.

Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025
Helios residing in the gardens of Charterhouse

Since then, whenever one of Jerram’s installations has come to the West Midlands, I have made a point of visiting and photographing the artwork. I have seenΒ GaiaΒ at Millennium Point, theΒ Museum of the MoonΒ in Lichfield Cathedral, and more recently,Β HeliosΒ at the historic Charterhouse in Coventry.

Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025
Enjoying the spectacle
Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025
The earth and Helios compared.

The Charterhouse, a former medieval monastic house with a long and varied history, is now run by the National Trust. On a hot sunny afternoon in August, we visited the property to view Helios. Jerram’s works are displayed against differing backdrops which provide a dramatic contrast to the art. This glowing sphere of the sun was set within the walled gardens, an ideal setting, as my photographs show.

Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025
Helios in the Garden

My grandson Noah suggested we lie down beneath Helios. This gave me an unusual perspective, and some striking photographs. After capturing several images, I paused to simply take in the artwork. Suspended within its metal frame, the sphere revealed breathtaking details of the sun’s surface. The inclusion of a scaled Earth nearby reminded viewers of just how vast the sun truly is.

Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025
Dramatic blue skies behind Helios

The Charterhouse itself is a place of calm beauty, with its tiered gardens and excellent coffee shop, a welcome stop after exploring. I doubt Richard II, who laid its foundations, could ever have imagined the many ways the property would be used over the centuries.

Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025
Noah with his football sphere.

Now, having photographed In MemoriamGaiaMuseum of the Moon, and Helios, my next goal is to view Mars when it visits the West Midlands. That will complete my personal photographic record of Luke Jerram’s planetary installations.

These are my previous entries on Luke Jerram’s artwork.

My notes from my visit to Gaia in March 2022.

We visited Gaia by Luke Jerram is in Millennium Point, Birmingham. This is adjacent to the ThinkTank Museum where the children had so much fun after visiting Gaia. The earth is something to see when you get up close and personal. Luke Jerram created the artwork which is 1.8 million times smaller than the real earth. The double exposure created in camera is of my daughter Natasha. My title of the picture is “Lost in her own world”. Interestingly my grandchildren cannot remember the visit so I am glad I have the pictures to show their enjoyment on the day.

Gaia, Millenium Point, Birmingham, March 2022
My grandchildren together with Gaia in the background.
Gaia, Millenium Point, Birmingham, March 2022
Lost in her own world. A double exposure of my daughter with Gaia.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025

IgersbirminghamUK organised a walk around Spaghetti Junction on a warm Saturday afternoon at the beginning of August. For this blog entry, I have 24 frames which is the number of a roll of film. These pictures were taken with either my iPhone or Fujifilm x100vi. The stories and sights under the motorway are always changing and always surprising. Enjoy this photo essay.

Figures

People move around the complex concrete structures. They look apologetic for their presence as the concrete really does enjoy its own company.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Figure in the subway
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
A walk home with the noise of cars above.

Cyclists

People move quickly on the towpath nobody wants to stay too long as they may get lost in the concrete.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Cyclist between the pillars.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
There is light in the dark that guides the cyclist.

Pillars

The main feature of the concrete structures is the pillars. Reaching to the sky they hold the roads in place. If the pillars disappear then there so will the roads.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Reaching for the sky
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
The height of the pillars dwarfs the people who dare wander next to them.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
The cathedral pillars of Salford circus.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Gaps between the Pillars.

Are you lost yet?

A line from the 25 paintings project by Bill Drummond.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
So easy to lose your way under the motorway.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
There is signage to help.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Colourful signs break through the concrete monotones.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
A scrawled sign lets you know where you are.

Traces of humanity

There are examples that humans have passed through the area.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Real Magic
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Birmingham, England
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
A smashing time.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Walk this way

Nature fights back

Nature is slowly eroding the concrete jungle. Trees and greenery have established themselves amongst the pillars.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Greenery lines the paths.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Trees in the sunlight.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Concrete vs nature standoff.

I hope you enjoyed this photo essay of my recent visits to Spaghetti Junction. If you ever have the chance to visit the area then do take up the opportunity. There are regular tours that take in Aston Reservoir and the more interesting parts of the canal network. The interchange does become very quiet at the weekends. During the week, there is construction activity focused on maintaining the pillars that are essential to holding the motorway network together. The highs and lows of a visit around the Gravelley Hill interchange are illustrated below. The highlights include the wonders of the construction and architecture. The lows are the faceless nature of the area which has areas that are not particularly inviting.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
The classical view of the pillars lined up along the river Rea.
Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025
Barbed wire and undistinguished areas of the Junction.

Are you wanting to read more about Spaghetti Junction then here are more of my visits about what lies beneath the M6. I recommend starting with this blog post that sets the scene for my photo essay.

Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025

The chance to stroll around Rugby Town with my camera was too good an opportunity to miss. Whilst the family were at the soft play premises in the town centre, I was able to take photographs on the streets.

Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025
Rugby Central looks quiet on a Sunday afternoon.

Rugby town centre reflects how many small to medium-sized towns are evolving. The heart of the town is becoming lifeless and losing its atmosphere. There are people in the numerous coffee shops, but there are also many empty and boarded-up shops. This was a Sunday afternoon and, besides those shopping at the local supermarket, only a few individuals were moving around.

Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025
The majesty of Regent Street.

There are parts of the town that still have a dignified look, such as Regent Street. Other parts of the town centre are very quiet. The main Rugby Central shopping area is largely empty, with few people around.

Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025
Coffee on the streets.

During my walk, I headed down to Caldecott Park to see the large life-sized rugby ball. I then followed the road to the aptly named β€œThe Black Path” bridge, which crosses the main West Coast railway line. This is always a good place for photographs. It is a major pedestrian thoroughfare, yet the caged structure and general grime create an atmospheric setting that is ideal for street photography.

Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025
A Rugby ball statue in the park.
Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025
A cyclist on the Black Path.
Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025
Words of wisdom.

While my black and white photography may have painted a bleak picture, there were some touches of colour, particularly around the yarn bombing of trees and benches. There is still laughter, too, attempting to lift the downbeat feel of the town.

Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025
There is happiness on the streets of Rugby.

If you liked this view of Street Photography in Rugby then I have provided a link to blogs on Edinburgh and Digbeth, Birmingham.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025

The passing of Ozzy Osborne leaves a large imprint on the people of Birmingham. The band Black Sabbath are very much loved and their Birmingham origins are celebrated throughout the city. Back in 1974, I remember β€œParanoid” blasting out loudly through the student common room speakers. I loved the Black Sabbath album covers which stood out from others at the time with their own distinctive take on the early seventies. Even as my musical tastes moved towards glam rock, punk and new wave, I still had fondness for the distinctive Tony Iommi guitar riffs from β€œIron Man,” and β€œParanoid”. Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne still connect with me especially as their influences are all around Birmingham.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
The shrine to Ozzy outside the Crown pub on Station Street.

Getting caught up in the emotion around the city from the reunion concert and people gathering to honour Ozzy, I went in the day before his funeral to visit the notable Black Sabbath sites in the city and pay my respects.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
The Crown pub, Station St.

My first stop was the Crown pub often known as the birthplace of legends. Many famous bands played there including the early Black Sabbath concerts. Closed since 2014, the building is now protected by its Grade II listed status although what the future will be is uncertain. The Crown has had a lick of paint and the boarded-up windows now have pictures of the band. A small shrine has taken shape below the picture of Ozzy. There are a few candles, flowers and fan messages set out. Pedestrians entering New Street rail station glance curiously at all the commotion.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
Ozzy the Bull at New Street station.

Then there is Ozzy the Bull. Towering above the concourse of New Street Station, this animatronic sculpture was a massive success during the Commonwealth Games. Once forgotten, now restored, much like the man himself, Ozzy the Bull is a great symbol of the City.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
Ozzy’s signature on the wall in Navigation Street.

Outside the front of the station, Navigation street has attracted the City’s attention where Mr Murals, a local artist has created a striking Black Sabbath mural. Along the wall facing the station are photorealistic spray can pictures of the four band members. The Black Sabbath logo looms large beside them. Less than a month ago, the group came to look at the murals and each signed their name against their picture. The signatures have been protected with Perspex glass. The length of the street has become another shrine for Ozzy with flowers lined up against the wall.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
More floral tributes along the Black Sabbath mural.

The focus of the outpouring of grief for Ozzy was taking place at the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street. In 2019, the city dedicated this space to the band with a bench featuring the faces of Ozzy, Tony, Geezer, and Bill. Now, the bench is transformed with flowers, tributes, hand-written notes, empty Jack Daniels bottles, and even a guitar. The tribute has taken over the pavement and security are required to keep a semblance of order. On the day of the funeral, this was the place where the hearse bearing Ozzy stopped and the family paid their respects. The news and pictures from the BBC and Rolling Stone magazine show how much he will be missed.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
This is the day before the funeral at Black Sabbath Bridge.
Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
A guitar with inscription amongst the tributes.
Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
More details of the tributes.

Next I find myself in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Here a special tribute holds centre stage. The ” Ozzy Osbourne (1948-2025): Working Class Hero” exhibition celebrates the lead singer’s astonishing career. Videos play on loop; photographs of his successful career adorn the walls. The many gold and platinum records are displayed. At the entrance, The civic book of condolence for Ozzy waits. I stood in the queue, looking up at all the artwork around waiting my turn to add my condolences.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
The working class hero exhibition.

On my way home, I pass through Victoria Square where there is an exhibition of Black Sabbath with many posters arranged to tell the history of the band that will forever be associated with Birmingham.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
The Black Sabbath poster board exhibition in Victoria Square.

Even at Selfridges, the modern temple of retail, screens shimmered with Black Sabbath’s images. Pictures of the band and Ozzy great you at the store entrance. A place is set aside to stand and watch a continual loop of the greatest Black Sabbath songs.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
Tributes to Black Sabbath.
Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
A mini theatre inside the store.

There is much to take in and the legacy of Ozzy and Black Sabbath is celebrated on the streets. He is a hero not only of the working class but everyone who looks to make a better future for themselves. Ozzy with his charismatic personality will forever symbolise the City of Birmingham.

Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Birmingham, July 2025
Ozzy at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. (picture from the Working class hero exhibition).

There are a few Ozzy images in my past blogs. See if you can spot one in this blog.

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.

As readers will know, I regularly post oil and water pictures on my blog. I have completed a couple of sessions and now have a new set of pictures to share. The differences in these photos lie in the various backgrounds I have used. These backgrounds come from several sources, including magazines, children’s books, and abstract colour pictures that I have created in Photoshop.

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
The use of LED lights in the background has worked in this picture

I am also improving how I use the light source and am working to prevent the reflections that occasionally compromised the quality of previous photos. LED lights were used in some of the pictures. Although they mostly overpowered the images of the oil drops, though there was the occasional success. Switching to another brand of oil may have helped but, again I am unsure whether this is truly critical to the success of the pictures.

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
A colourful black hole.
Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
A background of some lips from a magazine cover was used for this picture.
Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
Compartments of colour.
Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
An exposed centre.

I use a spirit level app on my iPhone placed on the top to ensure the lens is at 90 degrees to the surface of the water. A large open aperture ensures that the maximum light is hitting the sensor.  However, at f/2.8 your depth of field becomes narrow so focussing and positioning of the lens is critical to a sharp picture. Good technique helps reduce ISO noise and allows more information to be retained in the image which again will undergo cropping to get the desired photograph.

Suspended worlds, Oil and Water, July 2025.
A cluster of moons around larger planets.

I hope you enjoy the current crop of pictures (pardon the pun).

Here are a few more oil and water pictures to enjoy.

Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025

As it happened, my car windscreen needed replacing in Nechells, so I had time to explore the canals. I headed for the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and walked along it to the lock below Holborn Hill. Turning left, I arrived at Aston train station. It is a five-minute walk from there to Spaghetti Junction and then a short descent to the Tame Valley Canal.

Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025
The classic view of the Tame Valley Canal underneath the motorway.

Repairs are currently being carried out on the supports of the motorway, and there were many workers in and around the area. This made it relatively safe to stroll around. I stopped to view the art project run by Bill Drummond, former drummer of the KLF rock group and now an influential artist. He paints a line at regular intervals on the concrete walls opposite the towpath. The line currently displayed reads, β€œAre you lost yet?”

Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025
Directions on the tow path

Luckily, I knew exactly where I was on the canals, and I walked further along to take pictures of the motorway pillars reflected in the canal water. There is some rubbish around, but also many opportunities for interesting photographs.

Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025
Reflections and rubbish.
Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025
Men at work.
Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025
Ongoing repair work under the motorway.
Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025
The old road and the M6 motorway.

Retracing my steps, I explored the junction where the Birmingham canals meet the Tame Valley Canal. This was also the site where most of the repair work was taking place. I then made my way to Aston Reservoir, accessing it just past a sports centre. The elevated sections of the motorway rise in the distance and overlook the water. I always find it amazing that speedboat races once took place on this small area of water.

Are you lost yet, underneath Spagetti Junction, Gravelly Hill, Birmingham, July 2025
Aston or sometimes known as Salford reservoir with the M6 link road to the Aston Expressway in the background.

I have visited the Junction several times before and here are some of my accounts of my previous visits.

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham

I follow Imbue on Instagram and enjoy his thought-provoking artwork. Over the last few weeks, my Instagram feed went wild with notifications about his forthcoming exhibition. The images circulating included the Mona Lisa as viewed on mobile phones and a horse constructed from Amazon boxes. The exhibition was called ‘Lost All Meaning’, so I headed down to Digbeth to see the artwork. I do enjoy contemporary art. Having lived through the glam rock, punk and new romantic music movements, the album covers were always treasured. Imbue’s work captures much of that excitement and brings it right up to date.

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
The exhibition space for the Imbue artwork.

I arrived at the building on Floodgate Street and was immediately drawn to the walls where Imbue had arranged his work. A food and drinks machine was set up to dispense “faith healing” drugs. I bought a pack from the machine dispenser, and inside the blister pack, the tablets were arranged in the shape of a cross. This religious theme ran throughout the exhibition, with pieces such as The Fall of Man (UV print on a used MacBook lid) and McChurch, which, when cut out, resembles a McDonald’s Happy Meal box. The 100 Phones exhibit depicting the Mona Lisa was remarkable, though it makes me feel I really must go and see the actual Mona Lisa now!

Leonardo da Vinci
Faithhealers make a cross.
Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
Mc Church which if brought allows you the option to but out and make a box.
Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
Close up of the 100 phones Mona Lisa.

Many of the prints were mounted on the wall and arranged in a 3-by-3 grid, including Leonardo da Vinci–inspired printed circuit boards with images of the Mona Lisa, Salvator Mundi, and Saint John the BaptistKids with Guns used shooting targets with added Mickey Mouse ears, a powerful indictment of the world’s current gun problems. Nearby was a bullet encased in a bottle, designed to be used in a 3D-printed gun.

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
Leonardo da Vinci series
Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
Shooting targets for kids.
Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
A bullet for a 3D printed gun.

The theme of 3D printing ran through the exhibition, with the interplay of technology and everyday life presented not only to shock but also to make you think.

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
Liquidising Alexa which I have to admit is such a good idea.

Two large exhibits dominated the centre of the warehouse. The horse made from Amazon boxes must have stood 12 metres tall, as shown in the photos. Quite a few home deliveries were needed to construct this horse. To my mind, it resembled a Trojan Horse. Very fitting, as we bring Amazon boxes into our homes without a moment’s thought.

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
The Amazon Boxes Horse.

The other large exhibit was a veiled statue that Imbue had secretly scanned during a visit to the Louvre. The replica of Antonio Corradini’s Femme VoilΓ©e rotated in front of a bank of 3D printers. Small white statues were being printed and stored in a box, ready to be sold. This work raised many questions: how is it possible to scan such famous statues and then make them accessible to all? Did Imbue β€œsteal” the statue from the Louvre, or is this simply how art will be shared in the future?

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
The veiled lady in front of a bank of 3D printing machines.
Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
A reflection of the veiled lady in the 3D printing window.
Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
The one that I want.

There were many other exhibits, too many to describe in detail. There are several accounts of the exhibition on the Internet each featuring their favoured artwork.

Personally, my favourite work was DNArk. I am currently watching a cheesy but entertaining TV series on the Syfy channel called The Ark, where the last of humanity is sent into space carrying the DNA of the animal world. Imbue’s artwork consists of a transparent boat with multiple rows of red vials representing DNA samples. It left me wondering: how are we going to preserve the world’s DNA if we keep destroying the environment?

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
DNArk

The bonus of the visit was meeting Imbue himself and taking his picture. He was open to conversation and happy to discuss his artwork and the ideas behind it. The exhibition only ran for a few days, but I will be on the lookout for his future work. Imbue has created artwork that resonates with today’s technology, cleverly weaving in references to past masters while exploring how we interact with the modern world. The role of religion seems to have morphed into technology, as people reinvent the world around them.

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
The artist, Imbue.

As a photographer, I appreciated how the exhibition was staged against the backdrop of an old industrial engineering workshop. The natural light from the ceiling windows and the texture of the walls provided the perfect setting for the artwork. As always, I used my X100VI for most of the pictures, whilst favouring my iPhone’s wide-angle lens for the overall views.

Lost all meaning by Imbue, Digbeth, Birmingham
Lost all Meaning.

I found this exhibition space interesting as last year I was at the same place for the final day of the Floodgate an entertainment complex. As ever Digbeth changes and I have added my blog link below.