I have found that my practice is usually based upon the reaction of the viewer rather than the actual piece itself. I like to get the viewer involved with my work, either directly, or letting them create the idea for themselves. For example, in this series of photographs I hope that the viewer can connect with the work on an emotional level. My practice is also based upon a love/hate relationship I have whilst in the process of making the piece, as I enjoy the repetitiveness and physical endurance I undergo to get to the final outcome. My recent works have included ‘Pain is Beauty’, a chair covered in over 5000 pins on the seat and back, which I exhibited as part of the ‘Interchange’ flash show in January, and an ongoing video which came from Liam Scully’s ‘Job of Work’ project, exposing the night shift for a crew member at McDonalds, which I exhibited an example of during a tutor group show, ‘Duplicity’ in February.

 

‘If you don’t understand it, kill it’ is a series of photographs that explore the death of Ian Curtis. Joy Division bassist Stephen Morris said in an interview that Ian’s suicide was the “icing on the cake” and “justified the gloom” of Joy Division, this is what I have tried to capture in the photographs with the absence of the band. I have taken inspiration from Kevin Cummin’s iconic photographs and tried to recreate the scene without the band, creating a ghostly atmosphere.

 

Contact:

Email - rhianna.mayhew@gmail.com