Art / analogue photography
‘Darkness Calling’: the annual exhibition of analogue photography from Negative Thinking
Running a number of courses and workshops as well as a social space, Negative Thinking is a valuable resource for the burgeoning analogue photography community in South Bristol.
Formerly in a hidden corner of Totterdown, and now based in Willway Yard, Bedminster, the gallery, studio and education space has continued to grow in size and scope since its formation in 2021.
“It is our sincere belief that photography is a form of cultural heritage that belongs to us all” say directors Tim and Emily Pearse, who are newly married and expecting their first child. “If you’d like to learn, we’re here for you!”
is needed now More than ever
Under the red light
Current workshops include everything from darkroom basics to cameraless photography, lith printing and wet plate collodion, as well as four-week introduction to black and white photography courses.
Wherever they are in their analogue photographic journey, many members of the Negative Thinking community drop in to use the darkroom, scanning printing and processing facilities.
Once a year, an exhibition is curated, bringing together a range of work produced at the studio. This year’s collection, Darkness Calling, will be shown at The Launderette from June 18.
Work made by the Negative Thinking collective, Prints of Darkness
For the Pearses, it represents a true celebratory moment: “We are so proud to host this special event; a friendly and inclusive way to push our community to think about their work in a new way- completion of a print into a frame, the experience of showing work perhaps for the first time, and the collective feeling of pride for putting something out into the physical world for others to seek out or stumble upon.
“Who knows who needs to find your work for a little light bulb moment of their own. We hope you can pop by and spend some time with this artwork that we have been privileged to see created in our space, with care and time and devotion to the practice.”
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Darkness Calling is at The Launderette from June 18-29. Follow @negative_thinking_bristol and @in_the_launderette for more information.
Main photo: Negative Thinking
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