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JOHN

HARRISON

BIO

John graduated from UWCN (Newport, UK) in 1999, specialising in documentary photography. Currently undertaking a practice-based PhD programme, his research is centred on how photography and writing can be utilised collaboratively to counter mainstream media narratives. John’s work has been exhibited at several UK and international venues, including; Chapel Gallery (Lancashire, UK); Clitheroe Castle Gallery (Lancashire, UK); Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery (Lancashire, UK); Kunstammlung-Neubrandenburg (Mecklenburg, Germany); PRISM Contemporary (Lancashire, UK); St Ethleburga’s (Bishopsgate, London, UK). John has also presented his work at several UK conferences including; Centre for Doctoral Research Annual Conference (2017); British Textiles Biennial (2019); Cultural Difference and Social Solidarity Network (2018); National Festival of Making (2018); SelfScapes (2018); The Talbot Collection Conference (2017). Alongside his photography practice, John has carried out a range of higher education academic and leadership roles as well as carrying out External Examiner roles for Manchester Metropolitan University, Sheffield Hallam University and University of Central Lancashire.

ABOUT THE ART

My place on the SelfScapes research group, from 2018 onwards, has enabled numerous collaborative and positive experiences from which my photography practice has developed. Initially, I sought to utilise the opportunity to examine salient issues connected to my home town of Blackburn (Lancashire, UK), focusing on the impact of the Housing Market Renewal Initiative which, due to lack of funding, transformed housing areas into wasteland. My interest lay in positioning these new, policy-induced forests, with the backdrop of the organised, rural forest of Dalby.

 

My latest research and practice for SelfScapes has involved collaborating with those who manage and care for the forest, revealing their connection to, and experience of, Dalby Forest through a shared, collaborative process of making. Working alongside the project participants to create photographic and textual outcomes has been incredibly rewarding, with each participant describing eloquently the historical, professional and spiritual connections they have to the forest.

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