Eyes On Nature Exhibition

Between the shadow of the BT communications Tower and the camera hagglers mecca of Tottenham Court Road there is the graduation exhibition of 13 photographic students from Blackpool and The Fylde College, they have graduated with "the world leading BA (Hons) Wildlife & Environmental Photography degree". This exhibition is currently being held in the open and accessible Framers gallery on Windmill street in London.


The graduates are all communicating in a different way about nature through their varied and excellent works. I had a warm welcome from the gallery and was lucky to meet one of the graduates, Zoltan Nagy. He was preparing for a projection presentation of his work later but also wanted to show me around all the works and give me a guide book for the event.

The website and even the guide is a small selection of the images on view, the exhibition, to me, covers areas of how nature could be in harmony with our lives. This is represented to me by Jessica Greaves who quotes Albert Einstein by saying we make up just a small part of the whole universe and her work beautifully reflects the harmony that can be achieved or quite easily destroyed. While her classmate, Sarah Bloodworth, reflects the reality of nature and the way nature comes into our lives with her work.

In contrast to the harmony are three photographers who show the relationship between us and nature.  Michael Lowey combines new and old technology to show how what we do today can affect tomorrow while Reva Hodgkinson displays some amazing abstract and challenging images of nature in unusual situations. Terry Johnson’s mono work with its focus on shape and form, stands out well, giving good contrast within the exhibition.

Some excellent but perhaps more traditional images are provided by Heather Stephenson who has produced some very powerful images of living creatures that acknowledged her presence when photographing them. Where as Chris Bolton has a lovely variety of images about how nature is all around us and we often don’t even notice it. Another student, Zoltan Nagy, shows his passion for conservation and our relationship with nature.

If I can continue with a few bold groupings then isolating the subject for its beauty and science is provided by Nickki Wells who finds beauty in birds and brings this out wonderfully with her images of low key owls. In the plant kingdom Lyn Clifton beautifully focuses on the details of nature and plants and presents a row of stunning images. Then finally, Gary Tack with his massive high key close ups of insect portraits displays a set of images which are both amazing and fascinating.

Do check out the website and pass by if you can. It's well worth a visit if you are in London. It really did make me think more about the environment.

The exhibition runs until Friday 24 June.

Lets not forget the enabling sponsor - Veolia Environmental Services are also keen to show their support of nature as they are the leaders in UK recycling and waste management and want this to continue.