Marco Kesseler
Our Nature
14th April - 16th June 2021
At a time when the preciousness of nature – and the need to protect it – is more pronounced than ever, photographer Marco Kesseler’s exhibition comes to our Peckham windows from its previous display in the windows of Selfridges on Oxford St while it has been closed.
In Marco’s images, our relationship with nature is highlighted as he explores the hidden landscape that our food is produced in, looking at cyclical changes and the relationship between chaos and control in the natural environment. The polytunnels where our food is grown become their own cosmos – a place where the seasons are stretched and softened to create the food that nourishes us. Layers of algae form over the weathered plastic, self seeded
wildflowers establish themselves in the cracks of the structures, while networks of animal nests are exposed as crops are changed. The work was produced at different stages throughout the annual cycle of planting, growing, harvesting and lying fallow; following both the passing of seasons as well as the changing relationship, where nature fights to establish itself within a cultivated plot.
Here Marco answers some questions:
What about the polytunnel environment inspired you?
Polytunnels are often quite hidden spaces, both alien and instantly recognizable, but we rarely see beyond their plastic membranes. I wanted to uncover these internal landscapes, observing the balance between the cultivated and wild at the edges of these liminal spaces.
How do you hope these images will make people reflect on their connection with nature?
I want the images to reflect on our relationship with nature and inspire people to take a closer look, finding beauty in unexpected spaces.
How do you think people’s relationship with nature has changed over the last year?
Over the past year many of us have redefined our experience of nature. When everything else stopped, green spaces became a refuge and a place to notice the small changes of plants and mark the shifting of seasons.
Marco Kesseler is a British photographer with an interest in portraits, food and contemporary social stories. When he’s not out taking pictures, Marco is usually foraging for wild mushrooms, cycling in the rain or eating his way across London. Previously recognised by The Sony World Photography Awards, Our Nature is supported by GRAIN and Arts Council England.
