In guise of Land

Matthew Arthur Williams presents an exhibition of photographic prints set against the lush greenery of Johnston Terrace Gardens. Captured in various locations on the West coast of Scotland including during a Bothy Projects residency on the Isle of Eigg. Williams references a long history of portraits in the landscape, citing specifically the photographers Ajamu X and Ingrid Pollard.

Black and white self portraits convey Williams’ body embraced by bracken as they become part of the landscape. The portraits embody a refusal to be seen only as tourist and nurture a practice of attunement to a Scottish landscape. Bodies become vessels to alter narratives of what it means for Black and queer bodies to inhabit certain rural environments. Williams describes the process of making the photographs as a series of returns, “I’m always asking what’s going on here?  It’s about carrying those thoughts with you wherever you go and trying to manifest it in other things.”

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund and EventScotland. Our Commissions Programme is kindly supported by the Patrons of our Commissioning Circle.