Snapshots of North East Life: A 50-Year Photographic Journey

A new exhibition at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in the North East is bringing together the work of two photographers who have captured everyday life in the region over the past 50 years. The exhibition, called Close to Home, features the honest and powerful images of Tish Murtha and Kuba Ryniewicz. Tish Murtha was born in South Shields and became known for her black-and-white photographs of working-class communities in Newcastle’s West End during the late 1970s and 1980s. Her photos show children playing in the streets, people chatting in housing estates, and moments that reveal the struggles and joys of daily life. Tish’s work is respected for its honesty and for giving a voice to people who were often ignored by the media.

Kuba Ryniewicz, originally from Poland, moved to Newcastle in 2004 to study English. He later studied photography at Northumbria University. At first, Kuba found it difficult to adjust to life in Newcastle, describing his early days as feeling like he was in a sad movie. However, he soon grew to love the city and its people. The Baltic Centre asked Kuba to create new photographs to be shown alongside Tish Murtha’s archive. Kuba’s photos offer a different perspective but share the same warmth and respect for the people he photographs. He likes to capture his friends and the people around him, letting them express themselves naturally. Kuba believes that both he and Tish have a similar approach to photography, focusing on honesty and allowing people to show who they really are.

The Close to Home exhibition was developed with the help of Tish Murtha’s daughter, Ella, who has worked hard to make sure her mother’s work is seen and appreciated. Tish passed away in 2013, but her photographs continue to inspire people today. Kuba says he feels honored to have his work shown next to Tish’s, even though their styles are different. He admits he was nervous at first, but he realized that both he and Tish share a deep respect for their subjects. The exhibition explores themes of joy, resilience, and community in the North East. It shows how people build friendships and support each other in everyday life. Both photographers had to work hard to get recognition, especially coming from the North East, which is not always seen as a center for art. Kuba encourages young photographers to keep working and building their portfolios, even if success does not come right away. The exhibition will be open at the Baltic Centre until April 2027 and is a unique chance to see two powerful photographic voices in conversation.