A Man of Habit
Translating a Character
A Man of Habit is a documentary photo series analysing the overzealous notations and scribbled signage of Bob Byrne, a retired fairground sign writer and intriguing character. Through the photo-zine The Sign Language of Bob Byrne I make connections between his time painting at the fairground and his modest signs 60 years later. A man of habit, or a lover of signs?
Human nature is built on patterns of behaviour - we can analyse structure in simple ways of living. The visual language in the signs use our knowledge of emphasis semiotics which can be deconstructed into consistant elements to elevate the importance of the notation. In the photo-zine I enjoyed writing my own colloquial notes to this man of habit.
In loving memory of Bob Byrne 1936 - 2021
