Maddox Gallery just presented Beyond the Boundary, the first solo exhibition by former England cricketer and photographer Nick Compton.
During a twenty-year professional career in cricket playing at the top of his field, South-African born Nick Compton was drawn to exploring and documenting the rich culture and daily life he experienced during time off in between games. Now on display for the first time, Beyond the Boundary will feature previously unseen images taken by Compton during his travels from Canada, to Malta, New Zealand, America, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Bangladesh whilst playing cricket for his country.
A grizzly bear swims through Alaskan waters; a game of cricket is played on the street on a hot Mumbai morning; a young Nepalese girl shares a secret smile – these are all intimate and evocative moments captured through Compton’s lens; offering us an abundance of fascinating, personal tales from around the globe.
Shot in a crisp, black-and-white style, Compton’s photographs document the rawness of modern life; from intriguing characters and wild animals to vast, breathtaking landscapes. The result is an impressive body of work that transports the viewer to a wealth of stunning locations, whilst also paying homage to the intricacies of daily life.
Presented over two floors at Maddox Gallery’s flagship space on Mayfair’s Maddox Street, the exhibition will showcase these unseen works by Compton taken during a ten-year period and inspired by the desire to capture the richness and honesty of life.
Maddox Gallery’s Creative Director Jay Rutland comments: “We are delighted to be hosting Nick’s first ever solo show of photographic works. Maddox Gallery has always prided itself on our ability to recognise and support emerging artistic talent and we feel incredibly privileged to be supporting Nick’s transition from a sportsman to a photographic artist. For us, the field of photography is an exciting medium to explore and invest in. Nick is certainly one to watch.”
Nick Compton comments, “Photography has always offered me an escape away from the intensity of professional sport and so most of my cricketing life has been spent exploring countries through the lens of my camera. This collection chronicles the travels I’ve embarked on for the last decade, the places I discovered off the pitch and the characters I encountered along the way. The result is one I’m incredibly proud of.”
2018 is a very special year for NickCompton as it is the year that MiddlesexCCC have awarded him a Testimonial year in recognition of his long service to the Club. Nick’s Beyond the Boundary exhibition is part of a series of events to commemorate this year and supports mental health charity, MIND. In addition, Nick will donate a percentage of the proceeds to Petra’s Place, the children’s charity established by the Petra Ecclestone Foundation.
Nick Compton, Beyond the Boundary
Maddox Gallery, Mayfair, 9 Maddox Street London W1S 2QE
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 11am – 5pm
