Legendary street photographer Bruce Gilden brings his Beautiful Catastrophe to the UK

Legendary New York photographer Bruce Gilden is set to unveil an exhibition of his street photography at The Lighthouse Gallery in Wolverhampton (UK) later this month.

It will feature a collection of photographs which have been previously unseen in the UK. The exhibition, entitled A Beautiful Catastrophe, features Gilden's trademark style of confrontational and highly energetic street photography, capturing the characters and eccentricities on the streets of New York City since 1981.

Showing from 14 May - 13 July at Light House Gallery in Wolverhampton, the exhibition programme will also feature an exclusive talk and launch event which will see the Magnum photographer travel over from New York to share an insight into his exhibition on 14 May.

Gilden will also hold an intensive three-day photographic workshop run in conjunction with his exhibition.

Image by Bruce Gilden. USA. New York City. 1984.

As a member of esteemed photojournalism collective Magnum Photos since 1998, Gilden grew up in Brooklyn, New York where he still resides, and became firmly ensconced in the pantheon of New York City street poets through his style of confrontational photography and exuberant vision in observing urban behaviour and customs.

Named after Le Corbusier's term for the metropolis of New York, "a beautiful catastrophe", the exhibition highlights Gilden?s fascination with everyday life on the streets with spontaneous images created with the use of a stark flash alerting passers by to his prescence.

The exhibition will be on show at Light House Gallery from 14 May - 13 July, admission is free. Tickets for the talk cost 5 pounds and workshop places cost 360 pounds.

Bruce Gilden brings to the workshop his unique style of street photography which has truly become his own over the past 25 years of working in New York City and other urban areas, both in the US and abroad. He will teach the group how to improve pictures shot in the streets by best identifying a working 'style' and help in gaining 'street smart' sensibilities - the ability to be in the middle of the scenario, but be unobtrusive.

Photographers who have had work published or exhibited will get the most out of the workshop. All participants must bring a portfolio of their work. Gilden will review his students' portfolios, followed by reviewing an assignment shot during the workshop. Participants will spend several sessions with Gilden working in the street. This will include technical discussions/demonstrations of working with electronic flash in combination with available light.

A Beautiful Catastrophe is a Magnum Photos touring exhibition.