PHOTOGRAPHER EDMUND SUMNER INTERVIEW
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 transcend mere functional and technical requirements. In addition to his commissioned projects, Edmund Sumner has cultivated an impressive body of private artistic work, continually exploring the principles and possibilities of architecture photography as a means of capturing 'the test of time frozen.'
In many respects the actual building or architectural structure 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. A fixture in the world of international architecture photography Edmund Sumner's work is sought after for commissions from renowned international architect. - Stephan Schmid, Director, Albumen Gallery
Widely published, Sumner's work can be found in notable publications such as "Architecture of Eden" (Transworld, 2004), "New Architecture in Japan" (Merrell, 2010), "Architecture of the Olympics" (Wiley, 2012), and "Indian House" (Thames and Hudson, 2020). Notable solo exhibitions include 'Human Landscapes' at Browse & Darby (2006) and 'Outside the Box – Images of Contemporary Architecture' at Daiwa Foundation (2011). Thank you for joining us today Edmund.
Your greatest inspirations or influences?
My greatest inspiration has always been artists and creators on top of their game. They’re 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.
Tell us about your creative process.
I’m an advocate of a technique I think of as having ‘soft eyes’ that is to say to loosely think of a concept or an idea but not over-focus.
Over time thoughts and ideas emerge on the periphery, influenced by, but not dictating or influencing the original idea, in sort 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.
Something particular or special about the upcoming show?
The show for me is about memory and emotional response to spaces/ environments, these can be real or imagined both are fine, I’m a bit of a hippy really, and firmly believe places have energy and leave traces of previous incarnations.
What does well-being mean to you?
Well-being for me is a mental state. A time and a place where you can show compassion. True compassion to friends enemies and ones self alike.
Anything else you would like to share?
Many look but few truly see. Trust your intuition, keep your eyes soft, and believe.
About Albumen Gallery
Albumen Gallery is a London based Fine Art Photography Dealer and Gallery Project. Albumen Gallery was set up to provide through its online gallery space an international platform for original photographic art.
From its inception, Albumen Gallery has been pioneering and expanding the online exhibition medium. Our regular programme of curated online exhibitions is internationally recognised for their accessibility and artistic interest.
Actively utilising its online presence enables Albumen Gallery to extend its reach in introducing new, emerging artists and to a wider international audience as well as discovering work by more established artists.
Portrait of the artist ©Jae w v Kim
