This exhibition showcases a curated selection of Jen Mason's personal photography work, featuring a diverse range of fashion and editorial portraiture.
The collection captures the dynamic intersection of style, identity, and emotion, offering an intimate glimpse into the world of fashion and its powerful storytelling. In addition to this, the exhibition introduces Lives Less Ordinary, an ongoing personal project that delves into the lives of Derby’s local creative community. Through portraits and behind-the-scenes narratives, this project highlights the inspiring journeys of local artists, makers, and visionaries, celebrating their craft and the stories that shape their work. Together, these two bodies of work create a conversation about the diversity of creative expression, from the high-glamour world of fashion to the raw, authentic voices of everyday creators.
Through my lens, I aim to explore the complexities of identity, the power of storytelling, and the artistry inherent in every individual. This exhibition reflects my journey as a photographer, weaving together the worlds of high-fashion editorial work and the vibrant, often untold stories of local creatives. The fashion and editorial portraits showcased here are not just about capturing beauty; they are about delving deeper into the emotional resonance of the subject, translating their essence into a visual narrative that is as much about identity as it is about style.
Lives Less Ordinary is a project born from a desire to honour the unsung heroes of Derby’s creative community—the artists, makers, and visionaries who infuse their lives with passion and purpose. Through intimate portraits and behind-the-scenes stories, I seek to illuminate the often-overlooked journeys of those who are shaping the cultural fabric of our city. This work is a celebration of the raw, authentic voices that inspire and challenge the traditional definitions of creativity.
In combining these two bodies of work, I hope to create a space where the worlds of professional models and local craftsmanship can coexist, speak to one another, and, ultimately, enrich our understanding of what it means to be creative in all its forms.
