Unveil’d Photography Festival
20 – 23 Oct, Exeter

Unveil’d is an idependent not-for-profit organisation, celebrating contemporary photography through festivals and intermittent events, bringing together photographers, collectives, publishers and professionals to create and commission exhibitions, book fairs, workshops and a physical space for discussion.

Alongside Jessica Ashley-Stokes, Matthew Broadhead has been selected by Unveil’d Photography Festival for a solo exhibition in response to an open submissions call for contemporary works relating to the theme Land and Culture. 

MATTHEW BROADHEAD | HEIMR

Cafe Bar Gallery

In 1965 and 1967 NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey organised field trips to Iceland for American astronauts to learn geology in ‘terrestrial analogue sites’. Also called ‘space analogues’, they are places on Earth with assumed past or present geological, environmental or biological conditions of a celestial body such as the Moon or Mars.

Broadhead’s field trip to Iceland was in response to the astronauts’ exploration of Earth before they went to the Moon, at a point when the geography of the landscape was largely imaginary. Similarly, he travelled beyond the frontier and into the lonely wilderness. Aspects of mythology, science, history and geography exist throughout the body of work in equal measure to present his findings.

The title of the body of work, Heimr, refers to the use of the word in Eddic myth that translates into ‘world’ but also ‘dwelling place’. Drawing on this reference and through the body of work, Broadhead interprets the complex implications of sending a man to the moon, for our species which had only previously called Earth ‘our world’ and ‘our home’. Questions ruminated in his mind pertaining to existential migration where his personal experience leaving ‘his world’ triggered a better understanding of belonging, easily wrought with uncertainty.

matthewbroadhead.com

Other Unveil’d events at Exeter Phoenix:

UNVEIL’D FORUM

Morning talks 10:00 – 13:00  |  Lunch 13:00 – 14:00  |  Afternoon talks 14:00 – 17:30

Join six of the best international contemporary photographers to learn about the new, challenging and exciting works they are making. Featuring Feiyi Wen, Jack Latham, Felicity McCabe, Sara Sandri, Maurice Van Es and Erik Lovold.

Find out more here >>

City Of God

Fri 21 Oct | 7.30pm | £6

In the midst of the oppressive crime and violence of the world’s most notorious slum, a young boy’s brave ambition and artistic eye for photography become a window into his world and ultimately his way out.

Find out more here >>

One Hour Photo

Sat 22 Oct | 7.30pm | £6

Sy Parrish (Robin Williams) has lovingly, painstakingly developed photographs for the Yorkin family since their son was a baby. But as the Yorkins’ lives become fuller, Sy’s only seems lonelier, until he eventually convinces himself he’s part of their family. When Sy discovers the family’s dark secret, a bizarre and thrilling confrontation ensues.

Find out more here >>