Oscar Henderson-Pennington oscar@roundtablecollective.co.uk www.ohp-photography.com
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The term ‘Biophilia’ is literally defined as ‘a love of life or living systems’. The biologist Edward O. Wilson discussed the theory in his book Biophelia (1984). Wilson argues that this is the essence of our humanity, binding us to all other living organisms. Proposing the possibility that the deep affiliation humans have with nature is rooted in our biology. This hypothesis helps to explain our relationship with plants and flowers, and why it is we find pleasure in keeping these objects around our homes, workspaces and within the urban environment. Biophilic Desires is a photographic investigation into the ways in which society reappropriates these objects of nature, softening our transition between the natural and the domestic.
Amy Weightman amyweightman@hotmail.com amyweightmanphotography.co.uk
The project explores the idea that over time the artificial has gradually taken over the natural, because as we progress we are using less natural products and opting for cheaper and more accessible artificial products. Through the genre of Still Life with sculptural aspects, using colour, everyday and natural objects the project visualises the idea that the artificial has become a part of everyday life. Suggestions of appreciation for the natural are also conveyed through the work, as the artificial has been used as a way of preserving the natural throughout the project. Maybe one day we will go from living in a natural world to living in an artificial world.
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Austin Loveridge al250013@students.leeds-art.ac.uk
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This project is based around an abandoned Manor House in a small village called Hampole. A psychiatrist, who worked at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, called Neil Silvester, abandoned the house. Dr Silvester had received abuse and assault after releasing patient Carol Barratt from hospital after she had threatened a young girl with a knife, 2 days after her release Miss Barratt killed an 11-year-old girl in a random knife attack. After receiving this abuse from friends and family of the young girl, Dr Silvester left everything he owned and now this beautiful, gothic grade 2 listed building remains empty due to a series on unfortunate events.
Sarah-Jane Firth sarahjanefirth@hotmail.com sarahjanefirthphotography.format.com
Delving in between genres of work, this project closely analyses the way thoughts and emotions can be portrayed when dreaming. Through primary research she has meticulously chosen examples of dreams from others to exemplify emotions using conceptual portraiture. This project exhibits the idea of the unknown within a dream, leaving the viewer with an obstruction between audience and subject, much like our memories with the attempts of remembering people who have appeared in a dream after we are awake. The face of the subject in the images not fully on show creating the idea of the stranger some rarely remember when awaking, producing a connection between viewer and subject in a way which the feel of unease draws you in because of the unknown.
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