James Sparshatt began his photographic career in the early nineties in Bolivia, working as a photojournalist and editor of the Bolivian Times.  James has had solo exhibitions in the US, Ireland, Spain, Cuba, France and across the UK.  His work has also been shown at prestigious contemporary art fairs including Art Chicago, Art Hamptons, Slick Paris, Art Market (San Francisco) among others.

James’s photographs have been used for several advertising campaigns and have featured in magazines such as Dazed and Confused, Tatler, Red, Wanderlust as well as all of the UK’s major broadsheets.  He has also written for the New Statesman.

In 2011 a platinum print of Soweto Strings was auctioned at Sothebys, New York City to raise money for The Africa Foundation.

“My love of photography developed while I was working as a photojournalist in Latin America in the 1990s.  Both there, and later in Cuba, I was captivated by the energy and exuberance of the festivals and dance so inherent in Latino life.  Many of my images celebrate the rich and vibrant musical heritage of Havana, Buenos Aires and Seville.

When I look at them I recall the rhythmic beat of the music and almost feel a trickle of sweat running down my back.”

His 2006 exhibition at the Royal National Theatre, London was described in the Sunday Telegraph as “a dazzling collection of black and white images”.

James was shortlisted for the Sony World Photographic award in 2009, a finalist in the Centre for Fine Art Photography 2009 and The Worldwide Photography Gala awards 2009.   He was a winner of the Center for Fine Art Photography’s International award in 2008.  James frequently gives talks about his work at photographic festivals and exhibitions.

James’ book, Cuba Land of Spirit, was published in 2006.

Courtesy of Capital Culture Gallery