Nico – “I was born, raised and reside in south-east London. I struggled to find an outlet in my early twenties during spells of unemployment and falling in and out of love with acting. Building my craft as an actor by observing human behaviour eventually transitioned to photography. I decided to study photography at university in my late twenties and since graduating I have gained some recognition for my ongoing project South of the River authentically documenting and celebrating the south-east London I recognise and call home.

Diversity and colour in their many forms inspire me a great deal. Social realism via British cinema is also a fundamental influence on me. I grew up watching obscure dramas from filmmakers like Andrea Arnold, Ken Loach and Mike Leigh. These movies played a big role during my formative years in developing a strong sense of empathy for the disadvantaged who are sadly often neglected in British society. Being both British and a second-generation immigrant – celebrating and championing British diversity is at the heart of my practice as a photographer.

South of the River is an ongoing, long-form project that incorporates various genres and approaches. Part social realism, part biographical, but ultimately a celebration of the working-class spirit and the rich diversity of south-east London.”