Embrace

Embrace showcases a unique series of artworks created by Rankin during lockdown 2020. Close-up and intimate, this series of images reflects the state of the nation and Rankin’s own self-reflexive take on isolation and lock-down through the photography of flowers.

Rankin says “Self-isolation gave me an opportunity to really focus on this work as I’d imagined it. What’s interesting about these images is how much they reflect my personal state of mind, whilst also in representing my approach to the world. In taking each picture I realised right from the beginning that I was treating them like a portrait. Whether that was of single flowers or groups, I couldn’t help but give them characters. Search for their personalities and try to bring them to life.”

Embrace has been created at a time when we were all disconnected. In isolation, away from his London photographic studio, Rankin’s response is an empathetic portrayal of what a lot of us were feeling in isolation. “When we all just needed a hug, so many of us couldn’t even be in the same room, never mind touch each other.” Evoking a sense of loneliness, each of these images finds a form of strength or hope in its darkness and separation. Through the process of creation, Rankin found a way to both embrace being and working alone, alongside using natural imagery to act as a cypher for the wider world.

Together with these new images, Embrace delves into Rankin’s working practice, with images of the photographer in his personal studio creating the project. Illuminating his artistic practise and creating one of the most revealing portraits of Rankin to date.

This publication was created after Bryan Edmondson, SEA, approached Rankin after seeing the early stages of Embrace on Rankin’s social media accounts. Drawn to their softness and subtle beauty, Edmondson suggested a book collaboration to share this personal project and raise awareness and funds for a charity close to both their hearts.