An exhibition which can only be described as immersing oneself into a fantasy flair of Tim Walker's imagination, the V&A presents a whimsical new journey of one of the most extravagent photographers. Featuring over 150 new works that are largely inspired by the V&A's own collection, the final result is one of the most incredible explorations of photography that Walker has contributed to over the past 25 years. At the core of the exhibition lies the close relationship between Walker and the museum - showcasing ten new major photographic projects that have been influenced by the V&A's personal collection.
As Walker says, 'To me, the V&A has always been a palace of dreams - it's the most inspiring place in the world. The museum's collection is so wide and eclectic, and I think that's why it resonates with me so much. Many of the objects that I saw during my research at the museum made my heart swell and I wanted to try and create a photograph that would relate not only to the physical presence and beauty of that object, but also my emotional reaction to it. Each new shoot is a love letter to an object from the V&A, and an attempt to capture my encounter with the sublime.' Designed by Shona Heath, the exhibition displays over 300 items including the V&A objects that inspired Walker's various new photography collections.
Upon entering, visitors are presented with over 100 pictures of Walker's precious projects and extracts that hang in a clean and crisp white room. Showing his initial rise to success through his unique way of visual storytelling, it's clear that his blurring of fantasy and reality has created truly incredible still shots. Following on, each room evokes its own character - from dark and mysterious to bright pink and flashy, the extravagent staging only adds to the overall effect of the exhibition.
As Walker notes, 'preparing for this exhibition over the past three years has pushed me into new territories, which is very exciting, and I'm at a stage in my life where I feel brave enough to do that.'
A must-see for anyone with an appreciation for the extraordinary and surreal, Walker has managed to collaborate with the V&A to present an experience for audience members to immerse themselves into another world. Running until the 8th March 2020, the V&A exhibition of one of the world's most inventive photographers does everything but disappoint.
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