Capturing the beauty within the ordinary with Hugh Fox
Every year we join forces with local artists from Brighton and East Sussex to provide an exhibition space where exciting work is shared in a dynamic and lively environment. As a co-working space, we thought it was about time that we gathered pieces focused on one simple concept: the people, characters, wonders ,and stories of our city.
The first exhibitor of our 4th art display edition is Brighton-based photographer Hugh Fox.
Hugh Fox, image courtesy of the artist
Hello Hugh, thanks for joining us! To start with, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I’ve been working as a fine art and commercial photographer for over 10 years and have been awarded a Sony World Photography Award – and Portrait of Britain for three years running.
As a neurodivergent person I navigate a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, and my photographic process is a place to focus and find clarity -a way of bringing order and meaning to this seemingly nonsensical reality. I seek out quiet moments away from the endless noise and distractions that pervade our increasingly fast-paced lives.
I think photography is more like something I have to do, rather than being inspired as such – I’m pretty driven by the desire to hone a skill and try to create something as close to what I’ve seen or felt.
For a long time, I’ve been inspired by our complex relationships with spaces - physical, metaphysical and virtual, how we react and interact within these spaces and what they mean to us – I’m particularly interested in the in-between spaces, like an artwork and the viewer, an unseen enlivened space of creativity and play, that’s unique to each person entering it.
Hugh Fox: Always and Never at Home
Tell us about your journey. When did you discover photography? When did it turn into a career path?
Photography has been a lifelong passion of mine, ignited as a kid by the pages of iD magazine, which opened my eyes to seeing the world through a creative lens.
In 2011 I graduated from Brighton University with a Masters in Fine Art. During this formative period, I worked extensively with photography, moving image, sound, and sculpture, enriching and informing my practice as a fine art commercial photographer and I’m now proudly represented by House of Juba.
Hugh Fox: Lightness of Being
You work both as a fine art and commercial photographer. How can you allow your personal sensibility to still emerge and create intriguing images while doing commercial shoots?
Balancing fine art and commercial photography is a delicate interplay between meeting the client's objectives and infusing my personal sensibility. I find that the key lies in understanding the essence of the project and identifying points where my creative vision can align with the client's goals. By focusing on storytelling, composition, and lighting, I can infuse commercial work with a touch of artistry, creating images that resonate on both artistic and commercial levels. It's about finding that sweet spot where creativity and purpose converge, resulting in images that are not only visually appealing but also conceptually intriguing.
A fundamental aspect of great street photography are curious chance encounters. What do you keep an eye out for when walking down the road?
I seek the extraordinary in the everyday, where beautiful light or a chance encounter can elevate seemingly mundane scenes, unveiling moments that might otherwise remain hidden.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Hugh Fox: Skyflow
🔥 Quickfire round 1: Making your Way Downtown. Brighton is an intriguing and unique city in the UK. What are your top scenic spots?
1. Anywhere on the South Downs
2. Saltdean undercliff walk
3. I love people watching on St James St
Hugh Fox: Anonymous Person
You’re exhibiting a series of selected works with us. Can you tell us a bit about your chosen pieces?
These images are about the fragility of life, the importance of being present, the joy of embracing our true selves and connecting with our inner child. I invite you to interrogate your own response, as it is through this collaborative dance between artist, subject and viewer that we open up this enlivened space of infinite possibilities and can share an appreciation for the extraordinary beauty hidden within the ordinary.
You can catch Hugh’s work in our first floor rooms: Clay, Flint and Chalk
🔥 Quickfire round 2: (In)Possible Scenarios. All the cameras in the world stop working. You’re holding the last functioning one and it has 3 shots left. What do you capture?
1. My Daughter
2. My Son
3. My Wife
Anything else you want to share with us?
I have an upcoming show starting in March 2024 at the Old Royal Naval College, London - This will be an exhibition of photographs and audio stories I was commissioned to make over the last year.
Both collaborative projects on show here are long term and ongoing.
I’m currently starting a new body of work inspired by John Cage's ground-breaking work, "4'33". This will consist of stills, moving images and audio. And also working on a new series of intentionally distorted, scrunched up portraits - Please get in touch if you’d like to get involved in either project.
Hugh Fox: Time on Rock
