Scottish photographer Dougie Wallace is widely known for his long-term social documentary projects and his distinct direct style of expressive street photography. With an international reputation, he has received prestigious awards, showcased his work in renowned institutions and photographic festivals, and authored critically acclaimed books. Based in London, Dougie undertakes assignments and personal projects that take him across the globe.
To coincide with BBC Season of Photography, in March 2017, BBC4 broadcast a 30-minute programme about Dougie, as part of the What Artists Do All Day series, providing insights into the lives of outstanding artists. The programme follows Dougie on the streets of Knightsbridge, as he completes the photographs for the book Harrodsburg. Available HERE to watch.
More recently, Dougie was commissioned by Sky Art 50 to create a film exploring the concept of British identity in light of the EU referendum. The film was exhibited at The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Barbican, and it was also broadcast on Sky Arts channel on the night of the original Brexit leaving date, March 29th, 2019.
Dougie attributes his unique vision to his upbringing in Glasgow and his experiences over two decades of living in east London. From the vibrant party days when the area was a cultural wasteland to its current urban regeneration, he has witnessed the transformation of this district into a fashionable destination and tourist hotspot.
Describing his photography, Dougie says, 'Living in Shoreditch has helped me develop an eye for the tragi-comic, messy side of uninhibited human behaviour. My Glasgow upbringing has shaped my style, which has been described as 'visually exaggerated' and 'hard-edged'.
He further explains his motivation behind his pictures, stating, "What motivates my pictures is human behaviour. People’s interactions and emotions fascinate me. My stories are thematic, with similarities in expressions running through them. My work reflects societal trends and incongruities, translating what I see through the lens into wit, criticism, and humorous vignettes. I aim to convey a believable yet absurd point of view through my photos."
This idiosyncratic perspective comes to life in Dougie's books, which have all garnered critical attention and viral buzz. "Stags, Hens and Bunnies: A Blackpool Story" (Dewi Lewis Media, 2014) and "Shoreditch Wild Life" (Hoxton Mini Press, 2014) each offer a distinctive take on hedonism and excess, propelling Dougie into the limelight among tastemakers. "Road Wallah" (Dewi Lewis, 2016) provides a unique insight into the world of Bombay cab drivers and has been exhibited at numerous photography festivals and gallery shows, earning a shortlist nomination for the 2015 European Book Publisher's Award. Dougie's book "Harrodsburg" won the inaugural Magnum Photography Award in 2016. "Well Heeled" (Dewi Lewis, 2017) is an observation of the cultural shift among dog owners. "East Ended," published by Dewi Lewis, reflects on gentrification and its complex relationship with street art and local communities. Dougie's most recent publication, "Bus Response" (Dewi Lewis, 2022), captures the response to the Covid-19 pandemic from and around the iconic London double-decker bus, presented in a box format. Since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Dougie has been out photographing on the streets of London, capturing the changing moods of the city and its population. Most notably the panic buying in a project called “Supermarket Sweep“.
Dougie is sought after for his opinion, project assignments, editorial features, and ad-hoc opportunities. His work has been featured in various magazines and newspapers, including The Sunday Times Magazine, D Repubblica, The Economist, Le Monde, The New Yorker, Stern, The Guardian, The New York Times, The Independent, International New York Times, The Observer, GQ, Dazed, Hunger, Vice, BBC, CNN, Itsnicethat, Marie Claire, Die Zeit, Süddeutsche Zeitung, El País, Der Spiegel, Macleans, NZZ, Die Tageszeitung, Neon, dS Magazine - De Standaard, and numerous photography magazines such as BJP, GUP, Amateur Photographer, Professional Photographer, F2, Fotografia Magazine, Lens Culture, Leica LFI, L'Oeil, Fotomagazine, European Photography, and Photo International.
In addition to his documentary work, Dougie continues to shoot fashion for renowned brands such as Tatler, Balenciaga, and Dazed.
Furthermore, Dougie has conducted workshops both in the UK and overseas, sharing his knowledge and expertise.
He regularly donates his work to his chosen charities each year.
Currently showing in a group exhibition at The Saatchi Gallery London, “Civilization: The Way We Live Now”
2 JUNE - 17 SEPTEMBER 2023
(This landmark exhibition tracks the visual threads of humanity’s ever-changing, extraordinarily complex life across the globe, through the eyes of 150 of the world’s most accomplished photographers. Featuring many previously unseen images, Civilization acknowledges the diverse material and spiritual cultures that make up global societies today, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas. Exploring a wide range of subjects, from our great united achievements to our collective failings, Civilization: The Way We Live Now highlights the complexity and contradictions of contemporary civilization.)
Books
Well Heeled
London, Milan, New York & Tokyo. Jan 2016 till Oct 2017.
Book published by Dewi Lewis Publishing, 2017.
Harrodsburg
Knightsbridge, London Dec 2013 till Oct 2016.
Book published by Dewi Lewis Publishing, February 2017 . ('Harrodsburg' won the inaugural 'Magnum Photography Award 2016')
Road Wallah
Bombay India, Jan 2011 till March, 2014
Book published by Dewi Lewis Publishing, December 2015.
(Road Wallah was short-listed for the 'European book publisher’s award')
STAGS HENS & BUNNIES, A BLACKPOOL STORY
Blackpool Northwest England, Sept 2011 till Nov 2013.
Book published by Dewi Lewis Media, July 2014.
SHOREDITCH WILD LIFE
Autobiographical account of living in Shoreditch for 15 years.
Book published by Hoxton Mini Press, October 2014.
Order here Collectors edition / Standard book
Civilization: The Way We Live Now.
Our fast-changing world seen through the lenses of 140 leading contemporary photographers around the globe
Published by Thames & Hudson.
BUS RESPONSE
A special limited edition of only 100 signed and numbered copies.
Large format, 420mm x 300mm, 37 colour plates, 48 pages, wiro bound in a presentation box lined and bound in charcoal Wibalin.
Book published by Dewi Lewis Publishing.
