Ctrl.Alt.Shift street team reporter Luke Harman reviews Platform2's inspirational 'Eyes Wide Open' exhibition in Plymouth and meets the volunteers behind the art...

Having strolled through the cobbled backstreets of the Barbican in Plymouth on a freezing cold November night it was pleasing to feel the immediate warmth of the B-Bar for the “Eyes Wide Open” exhibition launch night.

The house lights in the intimate venue gave off an orange glow, as the acoustic music of local musicians and the chatter of 50 or so excited audience members made the cold outside a distant memory. 

As I made my way around the exhibition the most common theme of conversation was that of amazement - not just of the fantastic artwork and photography produced by Platform2 volunteers after their 10-week trip to developing communities, but also of the stories the pictures told and the issues they highlighted.

The first photograph I saw, taken by Cheech Bullen, was striking to say the least. It depicted a woman sat alone in what looked like a dark shed. The explanation below explained that her village in India didn’t have regular access to water or electricity and that although she was sat in the dark it was only midday.

Platform2 returnees spoke on stage throughout the night about their experiences and local musicians entertained the crowd. Elin Evans spoke of her time teaching in Rajasthan, telling us “how unmistakably unfair the education system is, principally in terms of gender. The girls had their own minute school, that let unqualified, idol teachers stroll in and out of classrooms aimlessly, at their own accord.

"Whereas the boys school, although just a stones throw away, was massive and had passionate teachers that really did care about the boys and their education. This seems unfair right? Wait till you hear this - girls have to leave education at 13... boys can go to university! Shocking!”

"The girls had their own minute school, that let unqualified, idol teachers stroll in and out of classrooms aimlessly."

As well as highlighting issues of poverty and inequality, volunteers spoke of the difference it had made to their lives, "Material things, although still a luxury, were, and still are, just not important to me any more. Platform2 is not just an experience, it is a lesson in life.”

And of the passion they now have to to do something about the issues they encountered. Nadia Kouhi now plans "to be the 'voice' for those whose cannot speak out.”

During the evening I managed to grab a quick conversation with Carol Petherick, mother of another volunteer, Sam Petherick. Purely through interactions with her daughter Sam, Carol has become passionately involved in the fight to end global poverty. She demonstrates how powerful Platform2 can be.

"Material things, although still a luxury, were, and still are, just not important to me any more. Platform2 is not just an experience, it is a lesson in life.”

Devon-based band 'The Wishbones' headlined tonight with a set that concluded with a cover of the Dizzee Rascal song 'Bonkers'; and you’d have to be exactly that to not get down to the B-Bar and be inspired by the art and the stories that will occupy the walls here for the next two weeks.

'Eyes Wide Open' is at the B-Bar until 7 December 2010.

Words and photos: Luke Harman