Emilie SELBOURNE

A series of painterly landscape views of familiar and secret Heath places, atmospheric wide-angle views populated by solitary figures and colourful decorative details of flora and fauna. The photographic artist Emilie Selbourne’s solo exhibition of 25 Limited Edition colour prints launches Highgate Contemporary Art’s first photography show. The selected work forms part of an extensive ongoing personal project and includes new un-exhibited images which seek to reveal the Heath’s capacity for providing solace in melancholic times. Influenced by JMW Turner, Samuel Palmer and the19th Century landscape painting tradition combined with a professional photojournalist background, Selbourne’s work crosses conventional boundaries of genre and approach. Initial daily documentary-style observations of Heath life developed into a preoccupation with the mysteries of nature, the history of this popular place and the creative but truthful photographic representation of its unique atmosphere. Already in private collections both in the UK and abroad, the photographs have wide and proven appeal not only to people familiar with the glories of the Heath but also to those who respond enthusiastically to the aesthetic depiction of our countryside, reminding us of “where we come from and who we are” [Sir Roy Strong]. Emilie Selbourne is an active member of the Highgate Society and committed to the protection of rural England and its heritage. Her work is soon to be published in various book forms to support these and other causes.

Images may not be reproduced without permission. Copyright Emilie Selbourne 2010

Paintings