Guy Gormley Vigil

About

Guy Gormley's latest exhibition and publication show a series of images taken during a nocturnal walk from the peripheries of South London to the sea over three consecutive nights. Together they build a picture of the artists state of mind on this solitary excursion. The photographs show tunnel-like rural roads, traces of undergrowth or barely seen horizons illuminated by the camera flash or scarce ambient light. They suggest a tense atmosphere; the photographer alert to unknown surroundings. In the publication, alongside the images, are descriptions of remembered dreams; notes made by Gormley on waking. They depict ill-defined landscapes pervaded by a sense of danger and unrest. The photographs relate to certain aspects of these records and Gormley intentionally blurs the distinction between his own dream and waking lives by photographing at night. Gormley is conscious of the object-ness of a photograph; exploiting both the papers weight, texture and tone as well as methods of framing. He has a unique method of printing on degraded photographic paper which has itself developed a tone, often pale green or ivory, and influences the underlying cast of the image.