(By Thom Bleasdale)
Bristol’s Centrespace will host the debut exhibition from photographer and sculptor Tom Bleasdale this summer.
The work, entitled ‘A Rare Photograph of the Soul Leaving the Body’, comprise 29 pieces – which were influenced from time Tom spent in the UK, Barcelona, Holland and LA. The themes he explores in his work relate with life, death and the nature of reality, mainly as a result of him being isolated from society during his 20s, due to a major illness.
Thom has gained rapid recognition from the art, photography and skating world. Recent endorsements have come from Taikia Waititi, the Oscar nominated director/writer/actor/artist, best known for Flight of the Conchords. He has also attracted widespread attention from legendary skate photographers, Hugh Holland and Jim Goodrich, as well as Ed Templeton, the leading artist/skateboarder/and CEO of cult skate firm Toy Machine. Alongside this, Thom is supported by WeSC, the street fashion brand for Intellectual Slackers.
Tom said: “The pieces are mainly about my view on life and my attempt to convince myself that death isn’t terrifying. Some of the pieces exemplify living to its fullest extent and other pieces demonstrate aspects of life that are often unnoticed, but are much more significant than they first appear. This is why I think I notice them. I want people to look at my pictures, read the titles, and feel something, not necessarily in that order. Whether it is a desire to have been there at that moment, or a questioning of what the story being told is, or just a comprehension, I don’t mind, as long as it is something, and hopefully something positive in some way.”
Thom Bleasdale’s exhibition – ‘A Rare Photograph of the Soul Leaving The Body’ starts on July 27 at Bristol’s Centrespace Gallery and finishes on August 1. More information at www.thombleasdale.com/
