NEO-PICTORIALISM.UK

The Neo-Pictorialism School is dedicated to reviving and reimagining photographic techniques through traditional and alternative processes, while also embracing digital practice, placing analogue photography at its core. Our ethos is grounded in fostering a collaborative and immersive creative environment where lens-based artists, whether beginners or seasoned practitioners can explore the technical and conceptual depths of image-making, taking inspiration from Pictorialism, the artform that ­dominated the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. During this time, photography became recognised as an artform in its own right, where the making of and emotional relationship with practice superseded its role as a scientific, documentary, and technical medium.

The founding members are practicing artists and experts in their field of expression and are on hand to facilitate and to develop practice, techniques and concepts together with guest artists.

We aim to bridge the gap between historical methods and contemporary practice, encouraging participants to produce unique, exhibition-standard works. The workshops are designed to inspire artists to engage with their work both critically and creatively, exploring new processes while grounding their practice in tactile, hands-on experimentation. 

Squaring the Circles of Confusion: Neo-Pictorialism in the 21st Century, is an exhibition conceived and curated by Zelda Cheatle HonFRPS, which celebrated the work of eight contemporary artists. It took its inspiration from Pictorialism, the artform that ­dominated the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Each adopted a Pictorialist approach through their aesthetic or process to their work, while addressing contemporary issues, at the same time demonstrating the beauty of the photographic image. 

The exhibition, featuring some new and previously unseen work in the UK, was bought to the attention of the art historian and leading authority of the period, Michael Pritchard.  As then Director of Programmes of The Royal Photographic Society (RPS), he curated the 19th century section of original photography from the Pictorialist movement, resulting in an expressive, otherworldly, and inspiring display.

Exhibiting photographers include Takashi Arai, Céline Bodin, Susan Derges HonFRPS, David George, Joy Gregory HonFRPS, Tom Hunter HonFRPS, Ian Phillips McLaren, and Spencer Rowell. Later incorporating the work of Angela and David Chalmers and Calum Colvin.