Linda McCartney exhibition - Walker Gallery.

When I saw that the Walker Art Gallery, in Liverpool, was hosting a Linda McCartney photography exhibition, I knew I had to go. McCartney's works, particularly her portrait of David Bowie, are some of my favourite photographs of all time, and I was keen to see some more of these, and also get an insight into her life.

"My photography is me". The exhibition started with a section in the 60s, framed around a large, yellow, neon sign of McCartney's signature. Seeing snapshots of various icon's lives, some at the height of their fame, such as Mick Jaggar, and others who were just getting started, like the Doors, was fascinating. Comprehending these people, who are normally put on a pedestal and seen as almost God-like, as mere human beings was something really unique and that I'd never experience from an art piece before. Usually, art makes those who we perceive as higher figures in society - monarchs, celebrities, other public figures - as even more regal, wealthy and important than they actually are, so it was a refreshing twist. The photo which caught my eye the most from this section, was one of Janis Joplin. She is show to be smiling, and holding a bottle of alcohol as if raising a glass, or 'cheersing' McCartney, behind the camera. Looking back now, it is almost a haunting image, knowing that Joplin died so young, 27, from a heroin overdose. Her hard-drinking image may have seemed fun at the time, but it was what ultimately caused her demise. Therefore, seeing her look so happy and carefree was bittersweet.

McCartney was famously married to Beatle, Paul McCartney, so much of her photography centred around him, his career and their family together. There were countless behind-the-scenes photographs of album recordings, song writings, and just the general life of The Beatles. Some of these were beautifully composed works of art, showing off McCartney's sheer talent. One of John Lennon situated against a pink background really caught my eye. On the other hand, McCartney was also interested in capturing candid moments, which is the most effective way in which her work was used to show The Beatles, and other

subjects, as ordinary people. For example, the iconic album cover for 'Abbey Road', which depicts all four band members walking across a zebra crossing, is shown from a different angle. This image was taken seconds before the album cover was, and is a glimpse into a world before this 'pop-culturally' renown photograph existed. It reminds us that the images we are so used to seeing everyday, whether it be an album cover, painting, sculpture, or something much more every-day such as a brand's logo, were once a work-in-progress and a real moment in time.

Captured amongst the chaos of stardom, were snippets of a calm, regular family life. Countless polaroids of parents (Paul McCartney mainly) playing with children, going on holidays, and visiting relatives, stood out in a way in which they probably didn't when they were happening. These mundane moments of life, at the time, will have seemed uninteresting and standard. However, now, to the viewer, they seem extraordinary. To us, Paul McCartney situated on a stage, surrounded by screaming fans is the usual, so seeing him in a setting similar to our own is extremely distinctive. One particular photograph shows McCartney, on a Christmas visit to Liverpool to see his dad, singing along with a group of carollers. What makes him any different, or any more special, to these people? In that instance, he is equal to the choir.

Overall, this exhibition was truly eye-opening. It helped me to see that celebrities are the exact same as 'ordinary' people. From this, my new viewpoint on these famous figures being just like me, has extended to all the other people around me, being just like me. In response, I have taken photographs of strangers on the street; in shops; in restaurants; in other public places. These show that the subjects have a life, just like mine, and are not simply another being walking past me, but a human being.