PRESS RELEASE : the modernist presents Time Will Tell, a new exhibition of photographs by Simon Buckley
For more information and images, please contact:
E: info@modernist-society.org
the modernist gallery in Manchester's Northern Quarter, presents
Time Will Tell
The photographs in this exhibition are the most recent from Simon Buckley's ongoing Not Quite Light project, exploring the evolving areas either side of the inner ring road that encircles Manchester city centre and parts of Salford. Along this connecting artery there is great change.
The focus of the work is the route from the now demolished Wellington pub in Salford, to the crumbling Bank of England at the top of Pollard Street in Manchester, following Regent Road over the Mancunian way, and onto Great Ancoats Street. The two names of these places evoke notions of our Imperial past, and the great capital that has always fuelled these two cities.
The photographs featured are from the early stages of the current project, from areas around Ardwick, Hulme and Piccadilly.
NOT QUITE LIGHT
The Not Quite Light project was conceived in 2015, during a walk in Angel Meadow, when the simple question formed “what would the souls buried beneath this ground think of the city of today?”
Simon Buckley says "Often, people relate my photographs to the paintings of Edward Hopper, which I understand due to the use of light and colour. However, I feel the work is also inspired by the Japanese Prints of the 19th Century, and early 20th century, which embrace the emptiness of the landscape, and fill them with the suggestion of spirits."
The work has led to a book 'YOU LIVE WITH US, WE LIVE WITH YOU' with 5 Plus architects, several exhibitions, an award winning festival in Salford, a monthly show on Reform Radio.
It also led to a major project with Barnaby Festival, lasting 18 months, working in Macclesfield Forest, called 'Our future is Ancient'. This work was featured as a performance in June 2021, with musicians Rioghnach Connelly and Liz Hanks on stage, improvising music to accompany the film and text.
Simon is currently making a film with the writer Adam Farrer, called 'The Loss of England', exploring the effects of the disappearing east coast around the town of Withernsea.
Time Will Tell is open from 04.03.22 - 30.04.22,
Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am - 5pm
at the modernist, 58 Port Street, Manchester, M1 2EQ
Editor’s notes:
Founded as The Manchester Modernist Society in 2009 by Jack Hale, Eddy Rhead and Maureen Ward, The Modernist Society is a creative project dedicated to celebrating and engaging with twentieth century architecture, through publishing, events, exhibitions and creative collaborations.
Publishing arm 'the modernist' was established in 2011, initially publishing as a quarterly printed magazine. the modernist is now developing into a small press, publishing limited editions about 20th century architecture and design. The editor of the modernist is Ashiya Eastwood.
The Modernist Society enjoys the support of its excellent Patrons: Jonathan Meades and Johnny Marr. The Modernist Society is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company.