Image: Plastic E-Waste, UK, 2014 © Susana Sanromán
The Things We Leave Behind
An exhibition by Susana Sanromán
The Things We Leave Behind is a brand new exhibition of photography by Susana Sanromán. Mostly captured on the Leica S-System between 2013 and 2016, this poignant yet fascinating series of images aims to highlight the impact of waste, resulting from the continuous production of goods in our societies. It also looks at the effects of phasing out certain activities and industries that are no longer sustainable, as a result of the economic constraints on the system.
Excessive consumerism has had a serious impact on our environment. The amount of debris is ever growing, while managing it is becoming increasingly expensive.
Susana’s photographs portray real scenarios, where the accumulation of waste has occurred naturally; due to a need for disposal, recycling, or as a result of various industries’ gradual abandonment of activities that are no longer viable.
Making use of a merely figurative and anonymous signifier, Susana uses the 'mummy' to imply that 'human' presence and society are the catalytic changing forces in the landscape we observe.
In each image, the material used in the 'mummification' relates to the background. The human figure merges into its surroundings, until a complete metamorphosis has taken place.
The mummy, as an aspect of human remains, like the landscape depicted, evokes concepts such as death, waste, neglect, degradation and ultimate transformation.
An exhibition by Susana Sanromán
The Things We Leave Behind is a brand new exhibition of photography by Susana Sanromán. Mostly captured on the Leica S-System between 2013 and 2016, this poignant yet fascinating series of images aims to highlight the impact of waste, resulting from the continuous production of goods in our societies. It also looks at the effects of phasing out certain activities and industries that are no longer sustainable, as a result of the economic constraints on the system.
Excessive consumerism has had a serious impact on our environment. The amount of debris is ever growing, while managing it is becoming increasingly expensive.
Susana’s photographs portray real scenarios, where the accumulation of waste has occurred naturally; due to a need for disposal, recycling, or as a result of various industries’ gradual abandonment of activities that are no longer viable.
Making use of a merely figurative and anonymous signifier, Susana uses the 'mummy' to imply that 'human' presence and society are the catalytic changing forces in the landscape we observe.
In each image, the material used in the 'mummification' relates to the background. The human figure merges into its surroundings, until a complete metamorphosis has taken place.
The mummy, as an aspect of human remains, like the landscape depicted, evokes concepts such as death, waste, neglect, degradation and ultimate transformation.
 | About Susana Sanromán Born 1976 in La Coruña, Spain, Susana lives and works in London. Since completing her B.A. (Hon) in photography at the London College of Communication (University of the Arts London) her art work has been selected and shown in several Art Fairs over the years; Venice Biennale 2015, ArtCop21, NordArt 2016 & 2015, Art takes Miami 2015 & 2014, Exposure 2015 (Louvre Museum), Mar de Mares 2015, Spain Now 2015, 2014 & 2013, Futurising 2009 and Caja Madrid Generación 2008. She has also been part of several artist residences in India, UK, Italy, Greece and Spain. In 2009 she published the photographic essay 'Women looking at women; the female gaze'. She has been assisting internationally renowned artist Tom Hunter and worked with a number of innovative collectives in the London scene. |
The exhibition will be open at the following locations and times:
Leica Mayfair
Opening dates: 12-17 April 2016
Venue: Leica Studio,
27 Bruton Place,
London W1J 6NQ
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 11.00am - 4.00pm
Tel: 020 7629 1351
Leica City
Opening dates: 19 April - 6 May 2016
Venue: Leica Store City; Top floor Gallery Space
18 The Royal Exchange,
London EC3V 3LP
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9.00am – 6.00pm
Tel: 020 7283 0700
Free entry