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.

Embrace
Embrace
Embrace
Embrace
Embrace
Embrace
Embrace

Published - 2020

Pages - 176

Book Type - Hardback

ISBN - 978-0-9955741-5-1

Publisher - Rankin Publishing Ltd.

Rankin is a British photographer, publisher, and film director.

As a photographer Rankin's portfolio ranges from portraiture to documentary. He has shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and The Queen to name only a few.

He is best known for work that is on the cultural cusp and leading future trends: producing rule-breaking campaigns for brands such as Rolls Royce, Unilever, L’Oreal and Samsonite; creating wide reaching projects for charities including Women’s Aid and Macmillan; and shooting music videos for the likes of Miley Cyrus, Rita Ora and Kelis.

As a publisher, Rankin co-founded the seminal magazine Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack in 1991, and has since published the likes of AnOther and AnOther Man, alongside over 40 books and the biannual fashion and culture print and digital platform, Hunger.

His photography has been published everywhere from his own publications to Elle, Vogue, Esquire, GQ, Rolling Stone, and Wonderland, and exhibited in galleries globally, including MoMA, New York, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Rankin lives in London with his wife Tuuli and their dogs.
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