A new photography exhibition, Inspired in Prague, launches on Thursday 24th July at HOi bar on Princes Avenue, curated by local photographer Victoria Smith.
After the success of her first three exhibitions at HOi (‘From UK to Ukraine’, ‘Hull City on Film’ and ‘A City of Music’), Victoria was approached by one of HOi’s regulars, Jem Sutherland, with the interest on showing his pictures of Prague.
Victoria explains: “I’ve been grateful to work with Hull’s upcoming and established photographers in my last exhibitions at the bar, I think its equally important to make the opportunity accessible to people who don’t consider themselves artists or photographers, but are an integral part to the local community.”
Jem has an abundance of photos and stories from his visits to Prague. His first trip was for a wedding, but Jem explains that the city’s charm keeps drawing him back. All of the photographs in the exhibition are taken on his phone camera. Victoria said: “It doesn’t matter what camera you have, Jem’s dedication to documenting Prague is something to be celebrated, I’ve never met someone who loves a place so much!”
The exhibition also includes a small selection of work from Dutch photographer Jeroen Shornagel, who Jem befriended on his travels to Prague. Jeroen shares the same dedication, and even has a website for sharing his images of Prague (youloveprague.com). Jeroen is making his first visit to Hull next week to view the exhibition.
Melissa Foster, a local graphic designer, and filmmaker Jack Buyukyilmaz have jumped onboard with the project, designing posters and artwork, as well as filming the process of putting on the exhibition. Victoria, Melissa and Jack generously volunteer their own time to put on exhibitions for the local community, whilst navigating their own creative careers. The young creatives are hoping to embark on a once in a lifetime trip to Prague next year for Jem’s 60th birthday celebrations, documenting the journey to his favourite place.
The opening party starts at 6pm on Thursday 24th July, with local musicians taking the stage. Louie Donoghue from established band The Froot, will be performing his own experimental compositions dedicated to Prague. Lee Wright will be headlining the evening. The exhibition will run for a month and will be open to the public everyday from 1pm.
HOi, 22 Princes Avenue, Hull
Opening party: Thursday 24th July 2025, 6pm