KIELDER, 2017 - 2022
This practice-based PhD research project discoved new photographic encounters with dark skies in Northern England, undertaken in partnership with Kielder Observatory, Northumberland (UK). Outputs combine photographs, film and sound made at Kielder Observatory, forest and in my photography studio. Informed by conversations with Observatory staff, volunteers and visitors, the photography reflects the personal experience of stargazing as an exciting and immersive practice, evoking different emotions including, fascination, wonder and apprehension.
Images were shared in different exhibition outputs to create accidental encounters with dark-sky narratives for new audiences. Installations included a surprise sound trail of 'sonified photographs' under dark skies, outdoor banner photography display and a virtual exhibition embedded within Kielder Observatory's website.
Research was funded by the National Productivity Investment Fund, Arts and Humanities Research Council (2017 - 2024).
Learn more about previous displays of work:
- Another Dimension, Kielder Forest banner exhibition (2022)
- Another Dimension, virtual exhibition (2021)
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SelfScapes, Dalby Forest outdoor exhibition (2021)
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Observe, Experiment, Archive, Sunderland Museum & winter gardens (2019-20)
This work includes a series of sonified photographs, which ideally should be listened to in a dark environment:
Installation of the sonified photograph work in situ at Kielder Observatory, February 2022:
CONTACT
helen.mcghie@network.rca.ac.uk