Artist Statement

My work as an artist and documentary photographer is rooted in exploring the intricate relationships between humans, non-human life, and the environments we share. Through long-term, interdisciplinary projects, I strive to illuminate the often unseen connections that shape our understanding of landscapes, heritage, and the decisions that impact them. By intertwining personal narratives with larger ecological and cultural themes, I aim to foster empathy, dialogue, and action.

Central to my practice is an organic and fluid methodology that embraces curiosity as a guiding force. Each project evolves naturally, allowing for an interplay of diverse techniques such as photography, camera obscura, virtual reality, LiDAR mapping, and immersive soundscapes. These tools are not only mediums of expression but also means of creating layered, sensory experiences that make the invisible visible. I explore how homes, ecosystems, and landscapes act as living archives, holding the memories and histories of those who inhabit them—human or otherwise.

Projects such as Ode to Home, Ecological Frontiers of Groningen, and New Horizon Studio exemplify this approach. In Ode to Home, I document the emotional landscapes of memory, resilience, and loss in Groningen, where environmental damage has forced the demolition of countless homes. Through photography, sound, and installation, I transform these spaces into vessels of memory, emphasising their irreplaceable connection to identity and community. Similarly, New Ecological Frontiers expands on these themes, using advanced technologies to immerse viewers in the perspectives of non-human life, advocating for inclusive environmental stewardship.

Collaboration lies at the heart of my practice. By working with scientists, sound engineers, writers, and communities, I bridge disciplines to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge anthropocentric narratives. My ongoing collaboration with the Mondriaan Fonds further supports this interdisciplinary approach, enabling me to develop projects that engage deeply with cultural and ecological themes. Through these efforts, my art aspires to shift passive observation into active engagement, revealing the profound interdependence between all living systems.

BIO

Gus Drake

Exhibitions 

Publications