Film maker, photographer Peter Dean Rickards aka The Afflicted Yard has passed away
The other day when I was on Facebook, I saw Protoje posting a picture taken by The Afflicted Yard. I click on the picture to take a closer look. Then I move to The Afflicted Yard‘s profile page. Then I read “The Afflicted Yard. I Am Dead. No Returns”. This is how I learned Jamaican photographer Peter Dean Rickards died, on December 31st, after a long battle against cancer.
You never heard of him before?… or you think so… but I am sure you have come across his work at least once. It was likely while you were looking for a picture related to Reggae music or in your favorite magazine.
He was a genius. The pictures he shot always had a unique perspective. He worked with some of the greatest Jamaican artists like King Jammy, Bogle, Sizzla, Ninja Man, Buju Banton and many more. He pictured life in Jamaica like no other. In his art, he revealed the other side of Jamaica that is never shown on postcard. Uptown, downtown, country, guns & violence and even crime scenes.
I am sure you have probably seen one these pictures before and saw the watermark “The Afflicted Yard”.
Well,… those were taken by The Afflicted Yard. He was one of these guys behind the curtains that you rarely see. However, he played an important role in the Reggae music industry. Peter Dean Rickards portrayed artists and caribbean culture uniquely. He might be gone now but his photographs still live on.
You can view more pictures by Peter Dean Rickards aka The Afflicted Yard on his official website. Also make sure you check out his portfolio.
Download: Peter Dean Rickards – The Afflicted Yard (2003 – 2007)
Sources:
- Peter Dean Rickards died battling cancer
- “I’m dead. No returns.” : The Afflicted One checks out
- Jamaica Loses a visionary with the passing of the artist Peter Dean Rickards
- The Afflicted Yard – Official Website