Exhibition: Doncaster Art Fair - art as a response to mental health

I’m pleased to announce that one of my images has been longlisted for the Doncaster Art Fair. This year’s theme is highly relevant to the anxious times we live in: Art as a response to mental health.

If you’d like to show your support and help me make the shortlist please vote for my photo using this link.

I made this photo last year during the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic. It speaks to how photography — the type of observation it engenders, and the way it connects me to the natural world — is a therapeutic practice. (I previously wrote about this after producing a short film incorporating elements of slow media).

Intersections. Brendon Bosworth. 2020.

Over the years, photography has played a pivotal role in helping me be more mindful and present. As I explain in the accompanying text for this image:

“In a time of great anxiety and digital distraction, the simple act of going for a walk, clearing the mind, and observing the gentle flow of life is a powerful, therapeutic gesture. For me, that act is a necessity. Over the past few years, I have been photographing the mouth of the Zandvlei estuary, which is near my house. This is a place of intersection. A place where freshwater meets the ocean and where humans intersect with the natural world. Many elements come together and cross paths. Through revisiting this place (often a few times a week), I have learned about the value of observing the natural elements — their movement and changing characteristics. Paying attention in this way, I think, is a form of therapy — a way to reconnect to our environment and find stillness. Observing and photographing at this place of intersection has been transformative for me. It's made my photographic practice more mindful, which ties into my meditation practice, both of which are helping me to live more consciously.”

Vote for me

Over 2500 pieces were submitted to the 2021 Doncaster Art Fair. The longlist includes 460 of those and I’m grateful to be on it.

The top 20 shortlisted images will go on to be considered for prizes. If you like my work and want to support me please give me a vote. You can vote until 16 June.

There’s some incredible work on show with some deeply personal insights from the artists. I hope you’ll find work you connect with and show support for the other artists too.

Thank you.