Ky Lewis is a multi-disciplinary artist and curator based in South London with a practice currently centred on experimental, alternative photography and printmaking.
Though process is very much part of her work, her interests are in story telling, the intersection of connection-human and environment, landscape, history and cycles of life. She enjoys working on more than one project at a time. Long form projects, conceptual and unique works, working both in a darkroom and on location her images are imbued with atmosphere and emotions redolent of her time in the landscape.
“The emotional response to a specific site is what is important to me, feelings based on light, fleeting moments barely noticed, the essence of a place held at the edges of awareness. I have a strong interest in Wabi Sabi and the ethos of imperfection, history, growth, decay, even smells influence my work. Using a variety of processes to achieve my work I manipulate light and chemicals working with my subject matter both on site and in my darkroom or printmaking ink and substrate working en plain air or in my studio”
Creating pinhole images and camera-less works, she uses large format cameras and many are made out of simple waste items such as old tins, film pots, boxes and the like, from such disposable items come dreamy images, resonant of past memories. Ky makes prints using recycled materials and materials not traditionally used in printmaking, pushing the boundaries of sustainability and experimentation. She runs workshops, sharing knowledge of traditional and alternative process.
Work has been published in everything from limited edition photography magazines, such as Seities, The Hand and Analog Forever magazine to ‘How To’ manuals such as Jill Enfield’s Guide to Alternative Photographic Processes, and Thames and Hudson’s Experimental Photography, a Handbook of Techniques. Recently she has received awards and honourable mentions from TIFA, Julia Margaret Cameron Awards, and Denis Roussel(Rfotofolio).
Christopher James said of her work, ”... If I came across your work in a museum I would sit down on a bench and savour it” Denis Roussel Awards Outstanding category
She has exhibited nationally and internationally in both solo and group shows with awards from Jacksons Art Prize-Intaglio Award, Royal Society of Painters and Etchers International Original Print Intaglio Award, PX3; Denis Roussel, Julia Margaret Cameron Awards, TIFA; NYC4PA; Fix Photo Festival
Recent selected exhibitions include; Victoria And Albert Museum, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, Royal Society of Painters and Etchers International Original Print Bankside Gallery, RE Small But Mighty Bankside Gallery, Jacksons Art Prize Bankside Gallery, Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, Brighton Photo Fringe, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair; ING Discerning EYE The Mall; Ironbridge Printmakers Show “Enlighten” Griffin Museum of Photography 2022, Boston; “Svitlo” Looiersgracht60 Amsterdam2022; WOW Festival Royal Festival Hall Southbank London2022; “Cluster” OXO Tower London2022; “Other Ways Of Seeing” Plaxall Gallery New York.
Recent aquisitions include: Victoria and Albert Museum, public and private collections