Richard Billingham- Zoo

About

Zoo is a major solo exhibition of video works filmed in zoos in the UK, Europe and South America. Zoo explores the impact of confined spaces on animal behaviour in acutely observed detail. By focusing on the psychological space of the zoo enclosure it captures the complexities of the viewing relationship between captive animals and their public audience. Billingham draws on memories of childhood visits to Dudley Zoo in the 1970s and is also informed by the inherent dualism in man's relationship with animals.

Billingham achieved international recognition for his photographs depicting his family in the book Ray's a Laugh in 1996. In 1997, he won the Citibank Photography Prize and his work was included in
Sensation at the Royal Academy. In 1998, Artangel commissioned the TV film Fishtank and in 2001, he was shortlisted for the Turner Prize.

Exhibition commissioned and produced by VIVID, Birmingham
Zoo is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England