Tower Avenue

Royal Photographic Society (RPS) award-winning photographer, Dexter McLean, MA, focuses on representation of both the black and disabled communities that he embodies in Tower Avenue, his first solo show.

This series captures the people of Jamaica and their culture, through portraiture photography. Dexter’s sensitive and natural depictions represent the community of Tower Avenue, a street in the suburbs of Kingston, Jamaica, from where Dexter and his family originate. The subjects offer a unique insight into the real lives of Jamaicans.

Dexter, who has cerebral palsy, is driven by the principle that marginalised communities deserve to be given a voice and represented in an empathetic and empowering way.

Dexter captures intimate moments between the subject and the photographer to reveal who that person really is through their expression. His photography practice focuses on personality, creating a moment of connection and exchange between subject and viewer.

Dexter is this year’s winner of the RPS Hood Medal, in recognition for his advocating of the disabled community through his documentary and portrait work. The RPS Awards are the world’s longest running and most prestigious photography accolades. Tower Avenue and the recognition of the RPS, propel Dexter in his ambition to reflect the real lives of the people and communities he portrays.