Shared Grounds

A new exhibition by Collective 22, featuring multi-disciplinary works by 12 photographic artists.

About the exhibition

In an era marked by rapid transformation, “Shared Grounds” explores the fragile and profound connections that bind us to our environments and each other.

The exhibition navigates through diverse landscapes - from the urban spectacle of Seoul's Han River to the rugged beauty of Ireland's Beara Peninsula, the contentious terrains of Greece's Epirus region and the imagined valley of Athrú. Projects delve into the dynamic interplay of cultural heritage, environmental change, personal identity and the unconscious and inner worlds. Through analogue and modern photographic techniques, these works capture the essence of places in flux and highlight how landscapes both shape and are shaped by human experience. These visual narratives reflect nature's resilience and the indelible marks of human activity, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate web of interactions that define our world.

The exhibition also explores themes of memory, mythology, cultural legacy and trans-generational trauma, examining how tradition and stories, personal and fictional, inform our sense of self. The detailed study of Scottish Gansey sweaters, an investigation of W.W. Winter's photographic archive and the intimate exploration of an inherited pocket atlas showcase the enduring significance of cultural symbols, personal artefacts and the poetic tapestry of the human condition. Meanwhile, projects documenting the transformative journey of parenthood and the societal impacts of post-Brexit England offer poignant insights into contemporary life.

“Shared Grounds” invites reflection on connections past and present, urging us to consider the links that tie us together.