From essay for "Possible Futures: What is to be done? The 2014 Windsor-Essex Triennial of Contemporary Art"

Stephen Brookbank's photographs of night scenes, the brilliant lights and colours created via his long exposures, literally cast light on that which is often overlooked. His personal approach is what sets this series apart, in that he asked the people within homes and businesses to step outside or pose from within, holding steady for his long shot. The portraits become warm and positive, pointing to the life within the city instead of its' decay. In many ways the grit of Hamilton is a big part of what people love about living here - the grit is a choice and a charm.

Melissa Bennett, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of Hamilton