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The RWA presents a special exhibition by leading Bristol-born photographer Jem Southam.

Southam is known for his diligently observed landscape photography documenting subtle changes in an environment over time, often photographing his surroundings in the South West of England.

This exhibition runs parallel with the RWA Photo Open Exhibition. Your ticket includes entry to both exhibitions.

A Bend in the River displays a series of the same name structured in two parts representing arrival (at dusk) and departure (at dawn). The images were taken at a particular spot on a riverbank where Southam became lost in contemplation one December evening. He returned to the same spot each day during the rest of the winter. Over the following five years between 2015-2020 Southam continued creating series in the same location. The ever-changing surface of the water, passing clouds, trees waving in the breeze, ducks gliding across the river and swans flying to roost caught Southam’s attention and what began as a passing digital photo led to powerful ongoing series of deeply affecting photography.

The gathering of swans became a particular inspiration leading to the second part of the series Swan Winter which draws on northern European myth and Scandinavian folklore. Curiosity instigated a shift in the timing of Southam’s visits and he began heading to the river at dawn in search of where the groups of swans spent the night. Eventually, they swam into view in the half-light. Southam captures these dimly lit scenes with a haunting other-worldly quality, illuminating what is barely visible to the naked eye.

Southam’s use of a Sony digital camera in this series marks a departure from his usual preference for the large-format camera. It allowed him to experiment with a range of new opportunities unavailable in more traditional modes, pushing exposure values to the extreme.

A Bend in the River series is shown in full together with selected works from other series created at the same riverbank over the following years including The Wintry Heavens, Forty Dawns and The Flooded Pool. In these Southam’s attention turns towards the skies, the changes in light at daybreak and more distant, broader views of the riverside.

Interspersed across Southam’s photographs is a curated selection of artworks that have inspired him and complement his practice. For example, pieces by artists such as JMW Turner, John Constable and John Leigh-Pemberton; illustrators of popular natural history books; and artists who worked for publications such as Ladybird and Shell. 

Presented in collaboration with Bristol Photo Festival.

Ticket price includes entry to the Photo Open. No need to book in advance – tickets will be available on the day

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Image credit: Jem Southam, A bend in the river, December 2017 © Jem Southam