In 2016, the seismic outcome of the British referendum reverberated across Europe, igniting a transformative process that would culminate in the country’s departure from the European Community, finally concluded in February 2020. The ramifications of the referendum extended far beyond mere political implications, giving rise to a myriad of profound debates encompassing national identity, economic prospects, and even the very essence and viability of the European Union itself.​
The intricate tapestry of Brexit encapsulated a long-standing schism within the establishment, unveiling the ever deepening crisis of representation within the party system and the erosion of authority experienced by both national and international political elites. It exposed a fundamental breakdown in the national-popular hegemony exerted by the central government over the British people.
​​​​​Over the course of the past two decades, Britain has endeavored to redefine itself as a convergence of historical heritage and a progressive political trajectory. It has sought to reconcile a past deeply rooted in its rich cultural legacy with a future that aspires to forge a democratic, inclusive, and forward-thin- king nation capable of confronting the multifaceted challenges posed by the new information age, the intricate tapestry of ethnic and cultural diversity, and the diminishing global prominence historically associated with Britain.
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Embarking on my photographic project in 2019 and continuing until the present day, I ventured across the British Isles, meticulously examining the ways in which the notion of British national identity has been dynamically molded, constantly evolving in response to the contemporary global landscape. This profound transformation unfolds through a complex and arduous process, frequently giving rise to paradoxical and even contradictory effects, particularly within marginalized sectors of British society and communities.
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My project, titled “Shine On,” embraces this foundational premise and strives to unravel the multifaceted and elusive countenance of modern-day Britain. It endeavors to capture the fluid essence of a nation in perpetual flux, continuously grappling with its own contradictions as it endeavors to carve out a fresh and authentic sense of self in an ever-changing world.
As I traversed the familiar landscapes of my childhood, I found myself documenting a profound moment of societal metamorphosis, rediscovering places and memories that, over time, had been distorted and idealized in my mind. These rediscoveries have accompanied me throughout my journey, providing a poignant backdrop against which the profound changes gripping our communities can be examined.