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Close-up portrait of Billy Brown looking into a broken mirror, half his face lit, wearing a jacket, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Close-up portrait of Billy Brown looking straight at the camera, with highlights on the left side of his head and shadows on the other, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Billy Brown’s wall with pictures of himself, ex-girlfriends, famous painters, rappers, nudity, and Mickey Mouse staring at suggestive poses, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Portrait of Billy Brown at his doorstep, dressed in a trendy pirate T-shirt, holding a cigarette under yellowish ambient light, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Portrait of Billy Brown in his living room, shirtless with visible scars, surrounded by pictures and hats, facing the light, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Portrait of Billy Brown in his living room, shirtless with visible scars, surrounded by pictures and hats, facing the light,
Close-up of Billy Brown looking away moodily on his bed, arms behind his head, light highlighting him, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Billy Brown’s armchair with a leopard-patterned dressing gown, a rockstar picture on the wall, and part of his guitar visible, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Billy Brown sitting in his armchair in deep thought, looking depressed in underwear, with his guitar, a doll, and clothes around, light reflecting on his skin, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Close-up of Billy Brown’s feet on his bluish kitchen floor, with light bouncing off the floor and his feet, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier
Billy Brown eating on his couch, wrapped up, holding a spatula with food nearby, a humorous flash-lit scene, taken in East London with a film camera - Photo Metamorphosis by Jonathan Pannetier

Billy Brown Jr

 

I met Billy Brown Jr at Brick Lane flea market in East London while working there at weekends and studying photography during the week. A local character cared for by the council, Billy had lived many lives—as a boxer, musician, drug smuggler, nightclub owner, and more. Captivated by his intensity, I began documenting his life intimately in his flat, capturing his moods and personalities through a cinematic lens. My first major project, "Billy Brown Jr," was exhibited at the Old Truman Brewery gallery in Billy’s neighbourhood, where he proudly shared it with everyone. Sadly, Billy passed away soon after—a sweet man who loved milk and honey, always saying, "I love you baby!". Continue to the next series of pictures.

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