(openPR) - Private View: Friday 6th of May 2011 – 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm
Exhibition runs from: Friday 6th of May – Thursday 12th of May2011
Gallery Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 11.00 am to 6.30 pm - Sat: 12.30pm - 5.00 pm
Last day of Exhibition: Thursday 12th of May: 10.00am to 5.00pm

Summa presents the work of five emerging photography degree students from South Essex College. Collectively their work is aligned with the foundations of documentary practice, but individually each photographer delivers their own response. Their work is widely influenced by the southern reaches of the Essex County; a landscape that moulds and shapes each individuals’ work. This inspiration is manifested in various forms, from projects that examine verbal histories as well as the intersection between imagination and reality. These works explore cherished objects that individuals possess and are imbued with their personal emotion. Other pieces make visible the effects of decay on abandoned institutional buildings, a sublimation of photography as a memento mori, while others embark on the task of questioning the conventions of traditional landscape photography.

Amanda Hughes‘ most recent project explores institutions with a history; of which once had a purpose and have since become redundant. The imagery discovers the essence of these and drives their meanings back into the eye of the public by means of display in its grand form, to show the influence of the remains of empty shells once had on people’s lives. The photography expresses the re-claming of nature of abandoned spaces, and as they surrender to decay, they still uphold their strength as well exquisiteness by the reflection of their past.

Emma Smith’s works examine the idea of the personal object. It attempts to delve into the relationship between the object and its owner, more specifically objects that have been kept by their owners from their childhood or more current past. It also includes investigating whether the marks and damages of such objects suggest the reason as to their sentimentality, via gathering the stories behind them.

Laura-Jane Bennett’s images have the mission to make working dogs more recognised and appreciated for the jobs they are trained to carry out. The project aims to illustrate the working identities of the dogs, along with their instructors who guide them through their paces in order to help the people in need.

Richard Cooper is observing a region that has become marginalized and isolated through shifts in geographical use this project chronicles an area once part of a rich industrial legacy, and examines how the social landscape has become moulded by change.
Siobhan Rose’s body of work explores the verbal histories and cultural myths within local areas around the South Essex area. The intention is to combine this exploration with suggestive locations to create a conceptual body of work.

Red Gate Gallery is an organisation that is dedicated to the continuous exposure of contemporary and diverse Art forms. It encompasses artists’ studios, a large gallery space suitable for installations, film projections, music performances, live gigs and exhibitions. Red Gate is located within a busy environment between Brixton & Camberwell. The gallery hosts regular events, exploring strands of thought provoking art. Since 1998 it has hosted over 520 events and exhibitions. Home Page: www.redgategallery.co.uk - check on our up coming events

Red Gate Gallery
209a Coldharbour Lane
London SW9 8RU