TRINITY

OLIVER RAYMOND BARKER

22/10 - 20/11 2022

OLIVER RAYMOND BARKER

The exhibition and photobook Trinity explores the complex histories embedded in the fabric of the Rosneath Peninsula in Scotland. Early christian pilgrims voyaged to remote corners of the British Isles such as Rosneath in search of sanctuary; they sought to use the elemental power of nature as a means of gaining spiritual enlightenment. Today however, the peninsula is dominated by the presence of the military bases HMNB Faslane and RNAD Coulport. 

Existing alongside these sprawling sites are the small, temporary constructions of itinerant activists protesting against the nuclear presence—locations such as the Peace Wood bear traces of their occupation. Through an immersive process made on the boundaries of the photographic medium—using a custom built tent-like camera obscura seeking to capture the essence of the place and providing sanctuary for the artist— Oliver Raymond Barker’s work weaves together these disparate yet interconnected threads. 

Oliver Raymond Barker (UK) works with the mechanics and alchemy of photography to make images, objects and structures that expand upon what photography is and can be. Working predominantly with alternative analogue techniques he uses photography as a tool to uncover imagined narratives & unseen processes, framed by his interest in culture, ecology and spirituality. Recent exhibitions and displays include RAW Phototriennale, Germany (2020), Belfast Photo Festival (2019), Unseen CO-OP, Amsterdam (2018) & Newlyn Art Gallery, Cornwall (2017). From 2014 - 2015 he was Creative Associate at the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute where he collaborated on The Natural Alchemy project. He is currently a lecturer at The Institute of Photography, Falmouth University, UK.