Photography by Willie Robb
From Bilbao
Willie Robb
I am a photographer, filmmaker, artist and educator who lives in Lewes, East Sussex. Being brought up on a farm has contributed heavily towards my practice. I enjoyed a lot of freedom, but my existence was quite isolated which, in hindsight, instilled an ability to work alone and an urge for self-expression.
A lot of my artistic impulses could be considered puerile. I’m driven by present circumstances first and foremost, but simple observations can fixate me for years. Photography is my regular medium, but I also use film and alternative processes. The approach is always led by the subject matter. I do worry about the effectiveness of my pursuits in the age of mass communication, but I’m driven by a belief that it is important for artists and practitioners to reflect on the times they live in. It’s a fruitful time to critique the powers that be.European Ferries is a body of sixteen images I made in response to the 2016 referendum. I live about ten miles from the South Coast and, on hearing the resulting vote I felt an urge to go down to the beach. Newhaven in East Sussex has long operated a connecting ferry to Dieppe, France which happened to be arriving as I stood on
the surrounding clay and chalk cliffs.Transmarche’s yellow boat punctuated the predominantly blue palette. The scene filled me with romance initially. My thoughts then turned to the paradoxical notions that a visit to the coast can evoke. There is a potential to reach out, to engage with those that live beyond the horizon. Conversely there is a threat, an ingrained concern of invasion.
This chance observation led me to seek out and photograph European ferries arriving at Britain’s coastline. Physically the images depict historical links connecting the UK to its current continent, a situation that has changed. Metaphorically the photographs consider horizons and Britain’s divisive cultural attitudes towards
them.Giclée Photographic Prints Mounted to 3mm Dibond
71x51cm
Edition of 50