PHOTOGRAPHER EDMUND SUMNER INTERVIEW
Edmund
Sumner
London-based · working with leading architects worldwide since 1998
He does not photograph buildings so much as distill them, capturing the character, the memory, and what he calls the test of time frozen.
Edmund Sumner, a London-based photographer, has been collaborating with leading architects, publishers, editors and curators on a global scale since 1998. Renowned internationally for his architectural work, his ability to distill and convey the character and essence of buildings and interior spaces transcends mere functional and technical requirements. Alongside his commissioned projects, he has cultivated an impressive body of private artistic work, continually exploring architecture photography as a means of capturing the test of time frozen.
“In many respects the actual building is only the starting point in the creative process of the images. Sumner’s architecture photography creates aesthetic histograms, capturing the traces of the spirit and history embedded in buildings.”
Stephan Schmid, Director, Albumen Gallery
“Places have energy, and leave traces of previous incarnations.”
The people who light up a room.
“My greatest inspiration has always been artists and creators on top of their game. They are very few, and very far between, but the ones I refer to have this infectious energy, this wonderful sense of creative, empathic optimism where nothing is impossible. The sort of people who light up a room just by being there. These people truly inspire me.”
Loosely held, and open to serendipity.
“I am an advocate of a technique I think of as having soft eyes: to loosely hold a concept or an idea, but not over-focus. Over time, thoughts and ideas emerge on the periphery, influenced by but not dictating the original idea. They spin off each other and create something new, something unexpected, something beautiful.”
“One must learn to trust the power of creative serendipity. When you are on the right path, in the right mindset, good things can and do happen.”
Memory, and the energy of places.
“The show, for me, is about memory and emotional response to spaces and environments. These can be real or imagined, both are fine. I am a bit of a hippy really, and I firmly believe places have energy, and leave traces of previous incarnations.”
A place where you can show compassion.
“Wellbeing, for me, is a mental state. A time and a place where you can show compassion. True compassion, to friends, enemies, and one’s self alike.”
Keep your eyes soft, and believe.
“Many look, but few truly see. Trust your intuition, keep your eyes soft, and believe. The key element for a great architectural shot is great architecture. Without great architecture, we are nothing.”
“Many look, but few truly see.”
Antakly Projects, originally Ninu Nina, has been in conversation with the most inspiring voices in art, photography, design and culture since 2003. Interview by Leila Antakly. Edmund Sumner photographs the way a place remembers.
All photographs © Edmund Sumner. Portrait © Jae W V Kim. Thank you to Edmund for the conversation.
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Keep your eyes soft. ✦
