Robert Ellis

Robert Ellis uses the medium of photography to explore the notion of ‘home’. Working within communities, his images rely on inherent or local knowledge to inform a sense of place. He is an Irish photographer who completed his MFA in Photography in the University of Ulster in Belfast (2011), having previously graduated with a BA Hons Degree in Photography from Dublin Institute of Photography (2007). His work was featured in New Irish Works as part of PhotoIreland Festival’s 2013 main show & book publication of the same name, he was also nominated and selected as an emerging European photographer to participate in Plat(t)form 2014 at Fotomuseum Winterthur, Switzerland. His work can be seen as part of the Up Editions online platform, the New Line book is available as part of a series of publications known as Where We Are by Aad Design. Today we view his series The New Line.

The New Line

The New Line is body of work which documents the space inhabited by a small alternative community in the West of Ireland. By exploring the private world created by the people that live here, this work adopts a silent and contemplative tone, and seeks to engage with this space and its inhabitants, rather than expose it. Through carefully negotiated access and many discussions, the work becomes a catalyst of my experience and the time spent making the work. Carried out over a period of four years the images show the subtle changes that appear in the landscape over time, and reveal the harsh depths of winter and the warm fertility of summer. The images tell the stories of the people that belong here, but only ever show a glimpse of their presence.

To view more of Robert’s work please his website.