Stemming from a interest in the local East Sussex lore, Beneath Mercia, a photographical body of work by photographer Joe Charrington, searches for traces of the past, forever etched in earth, tree, rock and stone that breaths alongside us in parallel layers, webbed through our land and culture.

The project covers a wide range of subject matter, some photos may show a touch of human interaction, an object foreign to its surroundings finding a place and creating a contrasting symbiosis, the presence of something other – a voice given to that which may normally remain silent and over looked – a presence that contains a familiarity Charrington feels woven through Beneath Mercia.

Through his choice of composition these parallels, patterns and symbolism are accentuated, relationships between subjects unearthed – an imprint in time is created, inviting the viewer to further unpick the history of the subject matter and its becoming. The chosen use of a medium format camera allows Charrington to further highlight the narrative of his work, by keeping enough negative space to still show the belonging of a subject in its environment but also giving the ability to bring forward the elements which draw him to capture the imagery.

These subject’s narrative can continue to further grow, photos taken miles and times apart may end up sharing a narrative, put together they can begin to converse with one another, not only through the visual elements within the images but also the pairing of intent and meaning and thoughts invoked through the physical act of taking the photograph.

Beneath Mercia lifts the veil to uncover what has become unseen, highlights haunts of ways gone by, creates windows to narratives that tread everlasting, engraved in the world around us.

Words by Grace Kemp


We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.

https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/JoeCharrington_HYP_Final-09-818x1024.jpeghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/JoeCharrington_HYP_Final-09-150x150.jpegHIPHYPhastings youth press,hyp,joe charrington,Nature,photographyStemming from a interest in the local East Sussex lore, Beneath Mercia, a photographical body of work by photographer Joe Charrington, searches for traces of the past, forever etched in earth, tree, rock and stone that breaths alongside us in parallel layers, webbed through our land and culture. The project...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper