A compelling new exhibition is set to open at Warrington Museum & Art Gallery this month, showcasing the powerful work of globally acclaimed photographer Steve Forrest.
The exhibition, titled What You See is Not Always Black and White, invites visitors to explore how perspective influences understanding in an increasingly polarised world.
Launching on January 18th and running until March 20th, the exhibition features a collection of 34 photo montages and eight archival photographs. Forrest, who has spent more than 30 years documenting diverse subjects – from conflict zones to Hollywood luminaries like Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman – offers a striking retrospective that examines contemporary societal issues.
The Manchester-based photographer was inspired to create this showcase after receiving an Arts Council grant, which encouraged him to reflect on his career and approach. His work critiques the ‘simplified dialogue’ often found in modern media, exploring how this impacts public understanding and societal progress.
Forrest’s images capture a spectrum of experiences, from documenting war zones to intimate moments with renowned figures such as Nelson Mandela and U2. Despite these diverse encounters, Forrest’s latest work focuses on the nuanced ‘grey areas’ that are often overshadowed in mainstream narratives. Through his montages, he seeks to challenge visitors’ own biases and encourage deeper reflection.
“Are there different meanings behind each piece of work? Can they be interpreted differently than what the caption explains? You can form several opinions should you look hard enough”, Forrest says.
Having started his career as a graphic designer and later transitioned to photojournalism, Forrest’s journey has taken him from the Oxford Journal to the Gaza Strip under military curfew. His career has included moments of personal risk, such as facing threats during the Eritrea-Ethiopia conflict, and triumphs, including photographing U2 during a Dublin studio session.
Despite witnessing humanity’s darker sides, Forrest remains optimistic. “As shades of grey enter into my work, I see more possibilities to find common ground. Despite the world becoming more polarised, I believe people can move beyond media-driven hysteria to form balanced opinions reflective of their own lives.”
This thought-provoking exhibition is not to be missed. Visit Warrington Museum & Art Gallery from January 18th to March 20th to experience Steve Forrest’s evocative exploration of perspective and its impact on understanding the complexities of the modern world.
Admission is free, and the museum is located on Museum Street, Warrington, WA1 1JB.
For more info and for all other Town Centre events check out our events page.
