Fragile

Paul Hart’s latest body of work Fragile (2020-23) is a personal reflection on nature and was made in the landscape close to his home in England. The aesthetic is rooted in the notion of a heightened awareness of the natural world, of both a physical engagement and spiritual connection to the land. Whilst becoming absorbed in this instinctual, visceral approach, Hart has become acutely aware of both the physical beauty and delicate vulnerability of these natural forms. Although concerns of the environment and sustainability are present throughout, Fragile departs from the central study of place usually associated with his work, to evoke a more abstract ethereal sensibility.

British photographer Paul Hart has photographed the natural world for over thirty years. Interested in our relationship with the landscape from both a cultural and an environmental perspective, he is recognised for his long-term landscape series - most notably the Fenland Trilogy: Farmed / Drained / Reclaimed (2009-19) and also Truncated (2005-9). Hart works solely with the black and white analogue process, using medium format film cameras, and his practice involves all aspects of the photographic process. He is known for his finely crafted silver gelatin prints which reside in major public and private collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the MoMA Library and the Hyman Collection. He exhibits internationally and is the recipient of a number of awards and nominations. His work has featured in numerous publications including The Telegraph, Aesthetica, LensCulture and BBC News. Hart supports a number of environmental charities and regularly collaborates with the non-profit organisation Vital Impacts. He has published five monographs to date.