Investigations of Reality

Kunsthalle Darmstadt presents the exhibitions ‘Robert Darch. Durlescombe’ (on show at the venue’s Studio West until May 8, 2022) and ‘Daniel Meadows. Suburbia’ (Studio Ost, through to August 28, 2022) – curated by Ralph Goertz and León Krempel. Both photographers were previously represented in the travelling exhibition ‘Facing Britain’.

Robert Darch started his series ‘Durlescombe’ in 2020. The ongoing project is a skilful blend of documentary, fiction and autobiography: using archival and contemporary images, the artist conjures up an imaginary village in the South-West of England – documenting the people, landscapes and industries of a fading rural culture whilst simultaneously questioning the veracity of photography. Darch (b. 1979) studied documentary photography in Newport (Wales) and Plymouth, where he now teaches.

Daniel Meadows' series ‘Suburbia’ (1984-1987) shines a light on the London borough of Bromley, where Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once lived. By documenting the everyday lives of six families, the photographer captured an intimate yet incisive picture of British middle class living. The showcase also includes excerpts from the artist’s well-known 1970s portrait series ‘The Free Photographic Omnibus’. Meadows (b. 1952), who describes himself as a “photographer, documentarian and digital storyteller”, studied at the Manchester Polytechnic together with Martin Parr.

For further information visit Kunsthalle Darmstadt