Celebrated portrait photographer, filmmaker and publisher Rankin has given 40 graduate photographers “free reign“ to showcase their work at the forthcoming Visual Noise art fair.
A collaboration between Maryland Studio and Rankin, Visual Noise is the first event of its type to be dedicated solely to Britain’s emerging photography talent and takes place on the weekend of Saturday 9 April–Sunday 10 April.
An open call was sent out by Public Offerings Ltd – a photography agency whose mission is to showcase new talent from often-unseen perspectives, with a focus on emerging talent, women and LGBTQIA+ artists – to the UK’s 2020-22 graduating photography class whose final degree shows were cancelled or disrupted due to the pandemic.
The brief was to “be creative“ within a 6ft x 6ft space at Maryland Studio and to “show the public work they will not have seen before“.
And as you can see from the following images, the response from the UK’s 2020-2022 graduating class of photographers (from both BA and MA courses) was overwhelming…
This is a brief taste of what will be on display at Visual Noise, so come and see for yourself – the fair looks like it could well become one of the best events of the year for up-and-coming photographers.
Visual Noise Is proud to also have partnered with the Legacy of War Foundation.
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A print and T-shirt sale will be hosted during the fair, with all profits going to its partner organisations in Ukraine who are providing immediate assistance to the most vulnerable including children and those living with disabilities.
Rankin will be activating his Swag store
In addition to the work from the 40 chosen artists, Rankin will also mark the occasion by taking over the upper floor of Maryland Studio to launch his first physical Swag store.
This is an experiential activation of his online shop rankinswag.com that launched in 2021.
Featuring publications and prints from across Rankin‘s career, Swag will be offer one of a kind archival imagery going back over the last 30 years.
By showcasing his work at Visual Noise, Rankin is breaking down the barriers between established and emerging arts – highlighting the value that new voices have to contemporary culture.
“Like everyone in this industry I had to get my start somewhere,“ says Rankin.
“I was lucky enough to find a community of artists, stylists, writers and musicians all launching themselves into the world at the same time as me.
“By bringing artists together from different universities and backgrounds I hope we can help build a new community of artists who will grow together over the coming decades.”
Ellen Stone, CEO of Public Offerings Ltd, added: “Visual Noise is a unique opportunity to see some of the most exciting and innovative photography work being produced today – before anyone else gets to see it.
“The work by these artists speaks to the world we’re living in right now: 2022 through a unique lens exploring the issues that affect us today.
“Graduate degree shows are more than just a rite of passage, they’re a vital springboard for creative talent to get noticed and begin forging their path in the industry.
“The reason we’re such strong advocates for diverse voices to be heard, and for giving them the chance to compete early on in their careers, is because if we support diverse artists now we can shape what representation looks like across the art market of the future.”
Buy your tickets for Visual Noise today
Visual Noise takes place on Saturday 9 April–Sunday 10 April.
Click here to buy your tickets: they cost £12 (general admission) or £9 (student).
Located at 28 Maryland Road, Stratford E15 1JB, Maryland Studio is a standalone, drive-in studio with a 3800 sq ft cove, a 6m ceiling height and an additional 4500 sq ft flexible shooting space.
Combining the practicality of a film stage with the comfort and style of a stills studio, Maryland Studio is designed and managed by creative professionals with 20 years experience in the photographic, film and studio industry.
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