He's a little Angel, really
Photographs of middle-aged men in leather astride their motorcycles could easily have become the ingredients for visual clichès; especially if the gentlemen in question also happen to be Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC).
Four years in the making, HAMC is an exhibition and book by photographer Andrew Shaylor. It's a mix of black and white portraits, and colour reportage of weddings, funerals and parties, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of those who choose this secretive and often misunderstood expression of individuality.
However, this is a view of an outsider looking in and the images never close the distance between Shaylor and his subjects, demonstrating empathy and detachment in unequal measure.
Inevitably, they only scratch the surface and, though they are technically precise, the precision lacks emotion and Shaylor never quite makes the transition from imagery to insight; leaving a hunger for depth and gritty investigation.
Even so, the exhibition's worth a visit for its fleeting view of biker culture, particularly for those seeking motorcycle enlightenment, and the exhibit book provides a much clearer vision.
Until Oct 9, National Theatre, South Bank SE1, Mon to Sat 10am to 11pm, free. Tel: 020 7452 3000. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Tube: Waterloo/Embankment
