London-based architectural photographer Edmund Sumner has unveiled his latest exhibition, “Traces,” a collection that delves into the intricate relationship between architecture and cultural history. Presented in collaboration with Albumen Gallery and long-term clients Rodić Davidson Architects, the exhibition is on display 24/7 until late July at 1 Pied Bull Yard, London WC1A 2AE.
Sumner is known for his unique ability to capture the essence of built environments, exploring how buildings influence and are influenced by their surroundings. In “Traces,” he delves deeper into this dynamic, revealing these spaces’ cultural identities, spiritual dimensions, and historical milestones.
“Buildings are a manifestation of how we shape the environment and, by the same token, how the environment shapes us,” Sumner explains. His photographs in this collection serve as aesthetic histograms, documenting the nuanced traces that environments leave on us and vice versa. Sumner’s lens captures the metaphysical dimension of architecture, creating images that mirror our journeys and transformations.
The exhibition showcases photographs that transcend traditional architectural imagery. Sumner’s approach infuses each image with a sense of memory and emotional response to spaces, whether real or imagined. “The show for me is about memory and emotional response to spaces/environments,” Sumner says. “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.”
Visitors to “Traces” will experience a unique blend of artistry and insight, with each photograph inviting contemplation of the deeper stories and energies that buildings hold. Sumner’s work encourages viewers to consider not just the physical structures but also the intangible elements that contribute to the identity of a place.
In addition to his solo projects, Sumner collaborates with leading architects such as Tadao Ando, Foster + Partners, Fernanda Canales, and Gianni Botsford. A strong advocate for emerging architectural talent, he brings his photographic and curatorial expertise to prestigious design festivals like the Sharjah Architecture Triennial and Arab Design Now.
