An artistic collaboration between photographers Madeline Bowser and Ben Metherell, this exhibition explores the enduring presence of man-made forms, patterns, and textures in urban environments and the juxtaposition of these against handmade image creation.

The photographs serve not as documentation but instead are a dialogue between the solid, enduring structures of urban settings and the ephemeral beauty captured through the cyanotype process. 

This handcrafted technique for image creation, applied on washi paper, which is thin yet has strength in its fibres, not only challenges the perceived permanence of urban features but also renews an appreciation for the tactile intricacies of both the natural and the manmade.

Biography

Formally trained in fine art photography, Madeline’s photographs represent her preference for monotonal imagery, enabling a scene to be rendered down to its simplest forms. Photographing with both film and digital, Madeline seeks out situations that may be overlooked or bypassed during everyday life and enjoys experimenting with alternate ways of creating final imagery.

Ben grew up taking photos but fell out of touch with photography in the digital age. When he started using a vintage medium format camera, he rediscovered the joy of taking time to photograph. He now shoots entirely on film with a variety of analogue cameras. 

This is Madeline and Ben’s fourth collaborative exhibition, with a common theme of exploration of duality, juxtaposition and partnering of imagery together to invite the viewer to explore the theme in more depth.

Website: haeliophoto.com

Instagram: @haeliophoto | @bmetherell