Ep 237 - Conceptual Photography & Reimagining the Landscape with Helen Sear RA

Helen Sear is a Royal Academician and internationally recognised artist whose work explores the fragile co-existence between human, animal, and natural environments. Rooted in Magic Realism, Surrealism, and Conceptual Art, Helen’s practice challenges traditional ideas of photography, perception, and visual storytelling. Originally trained in Fine Art at Reading University and the Slade School of Art (UCL), Helen first gained prominence in the late 1980s through mixed-media installation, performance, and video. Her photographic work reached international attention in the landmark British Council exhibition De-Composition: Constructed Photography in Britain, which toured Latin America and Eastern Europe in 1991. Photography remains central to her practice, yet Helen uses it in unconventional ways—questioning fixed-point perspective and the dominance of the camera lens. Her work often incorporates painting, sculptural elements, and layered imagery to activate emotional and sensory responses beyond pure visual representation. In what I felt was a captivating discussion, Helen reveals how her unique journey through fine art and alternative media led her to create immersive photographic works.  Helen shares insights on navigating the art world, the significance of exhibiting work, and the lifelong creative exploration driving her art.  We gains a rare insight into a career driven by experimentation, emotional depth, and a lifelong commitment to expanding what photography can be. I hope you enjoy the show!   You can find Helen’s work here: Website: https://www.helensear.com/   Listen to this and other episodes wherever you find your podcasts or on https://grantswinbournephotography.com/lpw-podcast Or subscribe to my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@grantswinbournephotography   Theme music: Liturgy Of The Street by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com   #HelenSear #ConceptualPhotography #FineArtPhotography #MagicRealism #SurrealPhotography #LandscapeArt #ContemporaryArt #VeniceBiennale #RoyalAcademician #VisualArt