The photographer, who has captured the likes of Kate Moss, Anna Friel, Liam Gallagher and Take That in his time, is to give city residents the opportunity to become a work of art in his latest exhibition.
Rankin will head here on Wednesday with a studio to take photos of willing participants that will then go on show in London alongside some of those iconic celebrity shots. He hopes the photo shoot will make the exhibition a `portrait of Britain'.
He tells The Diary: "The exhibiton will be a great array of different characters. It will be great to put the people we meet in Manchester up there next to famous people - it's all about human beings, not just famous people.
"We're looking for enthusiastic people in Manchester.
"It's a nice opportunity to have a bit of a window into the world of celebrity portraiture. People will be able to see how it works in what is seen as a bit of a fantasy world really. We do make people look really brilliant, it's a great way of spreading the idea that photography can be creative."
Yep, and that means those who take part will get the full celebrity-style makeover before they go in front of Rankin's lens.
The project is also being filmed by satellite channel Sky, in August.
John Cassy, channel director for Sky Arts, says: "We're delighted to bring Rankin Live to Manchester.
"The city has such a huge heritage in the arts and culture it makes complete sense that it should become part of one of the biggest projects Rankin has worked on."
The portraits will go on display from July 31 to September 18 at Rankin's exhibition at the Truman Brewery in London.
And though he's shot some of the world's most beautiful women, Rankin tells me his favourite portrait is of Wigan's own Verve rocker, Richard Ashcroft!
Anyone who fancies becoming a work of Rankin art needs to be over 13 and have a distinctive style or sense of British eccentricity. To take part, submit a photo of yourself and an explanation of why you would like to be a part of the project to skyarts@rankinlive.com. Those successful will be contacted by Rankin's team.
Tweet
