Transient Moments: images of impermanence

An exploration of impermanence. This collection was created during regular visits to Japan between 2011 and 2023.

Deeply influenced by both Shinto and Buddhist traditions, the collection offers a visual reflection and meditation on the inevitability of change and the beauty contained within it.

Seen through the Japanese aesthetics of “Wabi Sabi” (a beauty which is imperfect, incomplete and impermanent) and “Mono no aware” (an empathy with the transience of things together with a gentle wistful acceptance that this is the nature of everything) this collection seeks to show the beauty contained within the impermanent.

Presented in three parts:

Fleeting Shadows
explores the ephemeral, ever changing influence shadows can have on a scene. Constantly changing they offer us the opportunity to contemplate a subject from many different perspectives, while by their very nature, they remind us that nothing lasts forever

A-Un: Beginning and Ending of things
A-Un represents the Japanese translation of the first and last letters of the Sanskrit alphabet.
Similar to the western idea of “alpha and omega” they are often used to represent the beginning and ending of all things.

The Japanese love of Hanami (cherry blossom season) is well known, but it is not the flowers themselves which are considered important; it is the fleeting nature of the spectacle which serves as an annual reminder of the transience of existence and a spur to “seize the day” and live life to the full. The excitement which greets the first blossom of spring is matched by a solemn acceptance when the last one falls.

Moments in Time
The third section represents subjects or situations which would be difficult, if not impossible, to recreate. As a one of a kind snapshot of an instant in time they are, by definition, transient moments.

2018 - Glasgow, Scotland
2018 - Glasgow, Scotland
2018 - Aberdeen, Scotland
2019 - Manchester, England
2020 - Altringham, England
2024 - New Abbey, Scotland

This collection is currently available for exhibition.

Exhibition comprises of a selection of up to 60 images (depending on venue size) from the series.
Professionally printed on Fuji Fine art photo-rag archive quality photo paper (300gsm) and mounted in a black heritage wooden frame behind anti-reflection glass. Image sizes include 12x8”, 12x12”, 24x12” and 16x12” mounted prints.

Wall mounting required.

Accompanying descriptive text, location maps and online purchasing supported.

The artist will be available for opening night at the venue, and can include additional dates for talks and presentations around the theme of the exhibition.

In addition to online print and merchandise sales through the webstore, the following products can be made available for sale at the exhibition space:

“Transient Moments Calendar”
”Transient Moments Photobook”

Sale commission rates for prints and exhibition products are flexible and can be negotiated prior to exhibition launch.