One of the most precious commodities of our times is land. Even a small acre of ground with abundant soil holds far more value than one can imagine. However, because it is now limited, our land stands at a political, historical, and economic intersection, as well as becoming the crux of one’s identity. To understand how land and nature continue to play a critical role in who we are, a group of women artists created distinct bodies of work that examine our relationship with the land. The works, which are poetic, whimsical, and often carry a sense of human exploration and adventure, are now being displayed in a new photography exhibition. Here’s why you must not miss it.
The lead image is by Rhiannon Adam, courtesy of the Photo Fringe festival. All images are used with permission.
Whose Works Are on Display at the Exhibition?
The exhibition, titled A Land Within, is a part of the Photo Fringe festival, a platform that showcases new talents and begins a discourse on photography. Here’s a look at the artists who are a part of the show:
- Rhiannon Adam: Dear Moon was a project funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maesawa. Adam was part of the group that worked to inspire ideas among the civilian passengers traveling to the moon. Although the project is canceled now, Adam created Rhi-Entry to illustrate hope and aspirations for the journey while depicting the sorrow of its failure.
- Alison Lloyd: The photographer records her journey to various locations in the wilderness to depict her personal commitment to the land. Through the series titled 144 x 30 Seconds, Lloyd’s images portray her observations over time, including isolation, solitude, and the beauty of nature.
- Kathryn Martin: Her series, Come, See Real Flowers of This Painful World, draws inspiration from the South Downs in England and its archaeological history. In this project, the series showcases 49 native wildflowers, which depict the strength and resilience of nature. Her more recent work, Ossa, is a juxtaposition of archival photographs of a Bronze Age settlement with modern landscapes, which makes for a poetic depiction of time and space.
- Véronique Rolland: Her photographs were created in a place at the center of Britain, adding a new layer to the exhibition. The pictures depict a protected location, as well as the harshness she endured, to illustrate the serenity of the place. The project highlights our connection with the land while allowing viewers to fill in the blanks in the visual narrative.
In addition, the exhibition includes ancillary projects by three artists. For instance, Eric Hosking’s photographs depict Len Howard’s life with birds in the 1950s, whereas Sara Knelman’s collective, Lady Readers, depicts archival images of women reading in the landscape. As for Molly Maltman, she has curated readings of Cosmic Certainties alongside an accompanying film. Visitors can also look at objects from nature in another interactive area and even create a book using them.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
A Land Within exhibition is not only the best place to engage with diverse forms of photography but also a way to engage and understand our critical relationship with this subject. In many ways, our land gives us an identity, and when that is taken from us, it leaves us with nothing. That’s why many countries around the world are currently fighting for their land, their birthright, which is taken away due to political agendas, greed, and the need to be a superpower. The exhibit offers a chance for viewers to rekindle their relationship with nature, art, and their personal history while realizing the complexity of our environment.
Furthermore, at the Photo Fringe festival, you will also see other exceptional works, which are for this year’s theme, Common Ground. In that regard, this exhibition celebrates the strength of art and our ability to inspire change.
A Land Within begins on November 1 and will continue until November 14 at The Marine Workshops, Newhaven’s Port, England. For more information, visit the Photo Fringe Festival’s website.