U R B A N V I S T A S : I L L U S I O N S O F N A T U R E
7 F E B - 2 7 M A R C H 2 0 1 4
As so many of us live in metropolitan and suburban environments, separated from nature and surrounded by man-made edifices, how does society redress the balance? Trees tell us of the seasons, bring us into contact with nature and define and frame the urban landscape by creating a sense of place and identity.
Through documenting the humble urban tree planted in groves, copses or alone, well kept or disregarded the photographer Minna Kantonen explores the hyper-real portrayal of nature in the cityscape. Her poignant, captivating series of works URBAN VISTAS prompts the question are these trees just an illusion of nature?
Biography –
Minna Kantonen is a Finnish Artist living and working in London. Kantonen graduated from MA(RCA) Fine Art Photography from The Royal College of Art (2002) and she is currently a Principal Lecturer in Photography at the University of East London.
Kantonen’s previous exhibitions include, Photobook, Brighton Photo Biennial (2012) and The Jolly (Good) Show, Collyer Bristow Gallery, London (2010). Her work has been selected by the Government Art Collection to exhibit at the offices of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, she has also received the Arts Council of South West Finland Grant (2005) for production and publication of ‘A Small Book of Trees.’ Her work has also been featured in publications including Source, and Photographie.
During March 2014 Kantonen will be co-curating and taking part in ‘On Landscape # 1’ at Guest Project, London, UK.
U R B A N V I S T A S : I L L U S I O N S O F N A T U R E
7 F E B - 2 7 M A R C H 2 0 1 4
As so many of us live in metropolitan and suburban environments, separated from nature and surrounded by man-made edifices, how does society redress the balance? Trees tell us of the seasons, bring us into contact with nature and define and frame the urban landscape by creating a sense of place and identity.
Through documenting the humble urban tree planted in groves, copses or alone, well kept or disregarded the photographer Minna Kantonen explores the hyper-real portrayal of nature in the cityscape. Her poignant, captivating series of works URBAN VISTAS prompts the question are these trees just an illusion of nature?
Biography –
Minna Kantonen is a Finnish Artist living and working in London. Kantonen graduated from MA(RCA) Fine Art Photography from The Royal College of Art (2002) and she is currently a Principal Lecturer in Photography at the University of East London.
Kantonen’s previous exhibitions include, Photobook, Brighton Photo Biennial (2012) and The Jolly (Good) Show, Collyer Bristow Gallery, London (2010). Her work has been selected by the Government Art Collection to exhibit at the offices of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, she has also received the Arts Council of South West Finland Grant (2005) for production and publication of ‘A Small Book of Trees.’ Her work has also been featured in publications including Source, and Photographie.
During March 2014 Kantonen will be co-curating and taking part in ‘On Landscape # 1’ at Guest Project, London, UK.