Absolution: Camille Sanson's artistic reflection on her personal journey into motherhood

Absolution is a solo exhibition by New Zealand photographer Camille Sanson reflecting her personal journey into motherhood. Through its making and narrative progression, the photographic series explores the "depths of the shadow and play between dark and light. Similar to the process of developing black and white photographs in a dark room, and metaphorical relation to conception and birth, the images transition from darkness and emerge with renewed existence in the light".

Written By: Katy Cowan

9 January 2018

Produced in collaboration with artist and mental health advocate Gina Harrison, Absolution takes us through the difficult process of facing and letting go of one’s fears. Realising the affective nature and effects of her own fears, Camille delved deep into the collective pain of the feminine as a source.

The images expose Camille’s experiences and healing of past wounds regarding a fear of childbirth and motherhood, but also address issues related to wellness and mental health often concealed due to social and cultural stigmas. The artist intends to show how in embracing and exploring darkness, we can find liberation and eventual progression, freeing oneself from patterns and ideologies that exist as harmful limitations. Although the images still carry Camille’s signature technical style, they are a departure from her editorial and still life works – remaining as natural as possible in order to honour the female form.

Based in London, Camille founded her successful photography studio in East London, and for the past 12 years, she has worked across fashion, portraiture and still life photography. Her practice reflects "openness to alternative perspectives and metaphysical subjects, often portrayed through aesthetic motifs of multi-layered, expanded dimensions, textured pigments, and attention toward primal matter".

Her love of visual arts and photography began in New Zealand at the Rudolf Steiner school in Auckland and she later received a BA Hons in Fashion Photography at University of the Arts, London. Collaborating with some of London’s most talented creative teams, seamlessly working between fashion and still life, she has produced campaigns for many prestigious fashion and technology brands including Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, Max Factor, Rimmel, Kryolan, JOOP!, Finery London, Beau Coops, Zoe and Morgan.

Absolution – Camille Samson launches at the Herrick Gallery in Mayfair on 29 January and runs until 3 February 2018.