At Water’s Edge is the long-awaited publication from photographer Paul Blackmore.
This body of work – spanning 11 years and 14 countries – explores the intimate relationship between humanity and its most vital natural resource. Blackmore’s photographs poignantly illustrate the unfolding drama of the global water crisis and how it is affecting those caught up in it; a billion people without access to clean water, another four billion without an adequate supply. Against this dire backdrop, the work also celebrates our primal and spiritual bond with nature’s essential resource.
At Water’s Edge builds on Paul’s previous studies of humanity’s relationship to nature in a globalised world. His first book Australians: Responses to the Land looked at how the tough Australian environment animates and influences Australian culture. In the book’s introduction, acclaimed Australian writer David Malouf writes: “In Paul Blackmore’s world these people are allowed the dignity of their ordinariness; he seeks out what is touching in them. This collection is full of such moments of affection and uncondescending regard for the lives of others. For all its grimness, the world he presents is aglow with life, and little incidental beauties, and an abiding mystery.” In At Water’s Edge Blackmore has again sought the truth in the lives of others; revealing the beauty of the intimate and often vulnerable relationship individuals have with water, whilst simultaneously exploring the global situation of water scarcity.
Blackmore’s many photo essays and stories, published in such international media as Time, L’Express, Le Monde and Geo, have established him as a much sought-after collectable photographer. He has gained prominence through his exhibitions at Camera One New York, Stills Gallery Sydney, Perpignan France and the Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne. In 2010 a series of photos from At Water’s Edge were exhibited at the esteemed Biennale De L’image France and in 2012, at the Leonardo Museum Salt Lake City. Blackmore is one of a new generation of photojournalists – reporters of reality –whose elegant, coherent and enduring observations function as both valuable records of social change and stunning fine-art images.
Exhibition
Paul Blackmore / At Water’s Edge
From September 5th to 22th, 2012
Edmund Pearce Gallery
Level 2, Nicholas Building
37 Swanston Street (corner Flinders Lane)
Melbourne Victoria 3000, Australia
It is also currently showing at till January 2013
The Leonardo Museum
209 East 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA
Book
Paul Blackmore / At Water’s Edge
The book is published by T&G Publishing
306mm x 260mm
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket
132 pages with over 59 duotoned B/W Photographs
ISBN: 9780987079091 (13)
