OPEN ECO: Raegan Hodge, Precipice 3, 2024
For this project, Raegan Hodge has trekked with vintage film cameras to hard to reach places. Her locations are carefully selected to provide compelling settings for her story-telling. The mechanics of operating these cameras make every step planned, measured, and purposeful, but there is still a sense of unique magic from the unpredictability of the light and emulsion.
Raegan says, 'After just having lived through a global pandemic, we still face down another unknown global horrorscape: climate change. Many of us (especially our children) are filled with dread and anxiety, but we don't necessarily talk about it; it is this deep fear looming in our psyche. The image Precipice 3 contemplates many themes: man's impact on nature, self-harm, liminal existence, impending danger and gothic horror. My work aims to unapologetically expose our fear and fragility, confronting the anxious consciousness inside us.'
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Raegan worked as a professional videographer and photographer in film and television. After accepting a job in Afghanistan for CARE International, she shifted her focus to working abroad for charity clients, most recently in Ukraine in 2023. After a personal tragedy, she moved to the UK to be closer to family. Since then, her work has become more experimental and personal - expanding into drawing, painting and video installation.
Photo Fringe invited artists to propose a single image to engage audiences and help us imagine a greener, fairer world. Artists were asked to respond to the question “How can photography make a difference to the climate crisis?"
The resulting outdoor exhibition of selected images by nineteen artists can be found on Brighton seafront next to the Upside Down House until 17 November 2024.
See all of the images together here
Created with funding from Arts Council England National Lottery Project Fund and the UK government and Brighton & Hove City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. With print sponsorship from SAS Graphics.
Thanks to our judges Siân Berry, MP and Laura Summerton, Photography Manager, WaterAid.