ait Dialogue #3: Polly Brown
ait Dialogue #3: Polly Brown
ait Dialogue #3: Polly Brown
ait Dialogue #3: Polly Brown
ait Dialogue #3: Polly Brown
In the third issue of ait Dialogue, we explore the creative world of photographer Polly Brown. Based in London, Polly’s distinctive approach blends wry observation with provocative narratives, exploring themes of reenactment, performance, and the everyday. Her work, exhibited internationally from New York's Timothy Taylor to London's ICA and beyond, challenges conventions with a mix of print, sculpture, video, and books. Known for capturing the unexpected and pushing boundaries, Polly’s artistry invites viewers to reconsider the mundane through a lens that is both playful and profound.
In the third issue of ait Dialogue, we explore the creative world of photographer Polly Brown. Based in London, Polly’s distinctive approach blends wry observation with provocative narratives, exploring themes of reenactment, performance, and the everyday. Her work, exhibited internationally from New York's Timothy Taylor to London's ICA and beyond, challenges conventions with a mix of print, sculpture, video, and books. Known for capturing the unexpected and pushing boundaries, Polly’s artistry invites viewers to reconsider the mundane through a lens that is both playful and profound.
/ Polly in dialogue with Selin & Eylül /
How are you feeling today? If today were a photograph, what would it look like?
Hot. It's unusually warm in London today. If this day was a photo it would be a hot pavement and a melting ice cube with some kind of grass stuck to it.
What was your first memory with photography?
Stealing a book from my school library about ice skaters because I was so obsessed with the black and white images inside.
Your photography captures the beauty in simplicity and mundane details. How does this philosophy extend to other areas of your life?
I guess it extended to my preference of stationery. I'm quite obsessive about my yellow BIC pens and my yellow legal pads.
When you start a new project, do you begin with a clear vision of what you want to achieve or do you believe in the process?
I often start with a title or a written phrase. I use text as a starting point to kick start a process of reenactments or re-interpretation. I like the chain reaction of visual identifiers springing from word games. I love this process but projects really vary in their inception. Some have a very clear concept from the start and others are a sprawling mess for months until they come together.
How would you describe your work in three words or a photograph of yours?
Messing with stuff.
Despite not focusing on fashion in your photography, you’ve worked with notable fashion brands. What do you think draws these brands to your work?
I often find I get commissions where brands are looking for a different take on things. An unexpected or less commercial angle but one with a humor or voice.
One of the main concerns about AI-generated images is that they could potentially take away from the creativity and artistry of photographers. Although you don’t utilize AI, how do you feel about the rise of AI in the field of photography? Do you see it as a threat, a tool, or perhaps something else entirely?
I think the work of photographers utilizing and creating with AI is really interesting. I think it should be seen as a tool to explore the human voice and imagination further. Even within an AI generated image, I'm interested in the directional words given to the program by the artist. I'm interested in the interpretation of those instructions. To me, it still feels like there's a role for the artist and the human from within AI.
Looking back at your body of work, is there a particular photograph or series that you’re most proud of? What makes it stand out to you personally?
I still really like a series called NATURE. I made it within only a few days in New York many years ago. It still feels very immediate to me even now.
NATURE (2019)
What is your favorite…
IG account that you follow: @subwayhands
Artist: Patrick Goddard
Movie: Talented Mr. Ripley
As we wrap up, can you share any upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore in your work? Are there any new themes, techniques, or mediums you’re eager to explore in the near future?
I’m currently working a lot with split screening and image pairing which I have really loved. Looking at images as though words in a sentence, seeing what sequentially they can bring to each other.
How are you feeling today? If today were a photograph, what would it look like?
Hot. It's unusually warm in London today. If this day was a photo it would be a hot pavement and a melting ice cube with some kind of grass stuck to it.
What was your first memory with photography?
Stealing a book from my school library about ice skaters because I was so obsessed with the black and white images inside.
Your photography captures the beauty in simplicity and mundane details. How does this philosophy extend to other areas of your life?
I guess it extended to my preference of stationery. I'm quite obsessive about my yellow BIC pens and my yellow legal pads.
When you start a new project, do you begin with a clear vision of what you want to achieve or do you believe in the process?
I often start with a title or a written phrase. I use text as a starting point to kick start a process of reenactments or re-interpretation. I like the chain reaction of visual identifiers springing from word games. I love this process but projects really vary in their inception. Some have a very clear concept from the start and others are a sprawling mess for months until they come together.
How would you describe your work in three words or a photograph of yours?
Messing with stuff.
Despite not focusing on fashion in your photography, you’ve worked with notable fashion brands. What do you think draws these brands to your work?
I often find I get commissions where brands are looking for a different take on things. An unexpected or less commercial angle but one with a humor or voice.
One of the main concerns about AI-generated images is that they could potentially take away from the creativity and artistry of photographers. Although you don’t utilize AI, how do you feel about the rise of AI in the field of photography? Do you see it as a threat, a tool, or perhaps something else entirely?
I think the work of photographers utilizing and creating with AI is really interesting. I think it should be seen as a tool to explore the human voice and imagination further. Even within an AI generated image, I'm interested in the directional words given to the program by the artist. I'm interested in the interpretation of those instructions. To me, it still feels like there's a role for the artist and the human from within AI.
Looking back at your body of work, is there a particular photograph or series that you’re most proud of? What makes it stand out to you personally?
I still really like a series called NATURE. I made it within only a few days in New York many years ago. It still feels very immediate to me even now.
NATURE (2019)
What is your favorite…
IG account that you follow: @subwayhands
Artist: Patrick Goddard
Movie: Talented Mr. Ripley
As we wrap up, can you share any upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore in your work? Are there any new themes, techniques, or mediums you’re eager to explore in the near future?
I’m currently working a lot with split screening and image pairing which I have really loved. Looking at images as though words in a sentence, seeing what sequentially they can bring to each other.
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