A former Gray’s School of Art student who has gone on to become one of the foremost names in photographic imaging will return to Aberdeen as part of the city’s inaugural Develop North photography festival.
Steve Macleod, award-winning Creative Director of Metro Imaging in London, will return to Gray’s to deliver a talk, master class and present his exhibition ‘NIL’ as part of the event which takes place over October 2 and 3.
‘NIL’ is a series of 16 images developed by Steve as a photographic response to the impact of the First World War on Highland rural villages. Visiting old ghosts, he has traced dilapidated evidence of forgotten villages and ways of life.
“The war devastated many Highland rural villages to such an extent that in the post war census, the census entrants of many unreturned soldiers were listed as NIL,” Steve, who is originally from Thurso, said.
“With the loss of so many able bodied young men, rural communities diminished and people slowly drifted away from their lands, rural industry and crafts. Whole communities disappeared; places became forgotten - this became known as the third clearance.”
Steve was inspired by the writings of author Neil Gunn to travel and meet with people now living in these areas, who may have no historical connection to the Highlands yet embrace the beautifully unforgiving environment.
Creating silver gelatin prints he obliterated the image with black oil stick and then invited current residents to uncover the image below with their hands, in turn placing their own identity on the landscape and resurrecting a connection that commemorates the past yet also connects with the present.
Steve said he is delighted to be part of Develop North and is looking forward to returning to Gray’s where he studied Design and Visual Communication, before completing a Masters in Photography.
He said: “Having the opportunity to engage with likeminded people and to share ideas is something that I have worked hard for over the years and to have a platform like this that not only presents exhibitions, but engages and inspires people to take part is fantastic.
“I am involved with many international photography festivals both as an artist and art director - the creative industries provide many career opportunities and contribute much to our cultural wellbeing. To have an event like this in Aberdeen is long overdue and something I believe there is a growing need to engage with.”
Steve added: “On a personal level coming back to Gray’s School of Art will be something I’ve looked forward to for a while. My time there was very special because it not only allowed me the space to explore photography, it was pivotal in teaching me to being a committed professional with a strong work ethic.
“I still remember my very first day at Gray’s, walking all the way up from the bottom of Union Street because I didn’t know which bus to catch. Having never stepped inside an art college I was way out of my depth but I threw myself into the School and never looked back.
“I have fond memories of the campus and to be able to work with others in the place that taught me so much, will be something I very much look forward to.”
Steve have been at the forefront of photographic imaging for over twenty years, collaborating with a vast network of clients and developing new and innovative photographic printing practices.
He has introduced innovative new technologies to his industry and was responsible for inventing the world’s first hybrid B&W analogue-digital silver gelatin paper and a photographic quality low-tack adhesive material for exhibition and display projects.
‘NIL’ goes on show at Gray’s School of Art, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen from October 3 until October 12.
It is being shown as part of Develop North, a two-day photography festival launched by the art school, running over October 2 and 3 and featuring a series of free workshops, talks, screenings and exhibitions.
For more information about the festival or to book a place at any of the events, visit www.developnorth.com