Stroboscopic: Tracey Welch
7 - 18 April
Launch Event: Wed 6 Apr, 6-9pm
Free & open to all
Rich Westley, drummer, 2020 Tracey Welch. Image courtesy of artist.
In the 1940s, photographer Gjon Mili pioneered the art of stroboscopic photography. For drummer Rich Westley, Mili’s images of jazz legend Gene Krupa playing the snare were an inspiration. Rich invited photographer Tracey Welch to join him in attempting to recreate the pictures using modern day techniques. The resultant imagery sparked a shared exploration of the stroboscopic process. Further sessions, including producer Dean Honer and his theremin, showed how this visual effect uniquely reveals the relationship between musician and instrument.
With ACE funding, the Stroboscopic project has continued into a new phase, culminating in this exhibition. Through photography, composition, performance and film, the work examines a theme of connection. This feels particularly relevant, in the context of physical disconnection we have all experienced through the pandemic. In a virtual ensemble, Stroboscopic brings together a diverse group of musicians from across the musical spectrum. It considers their connection to their instruments, to each other and to an audience, and more broadly, the connections we all share through music and imagery.
Behind the Stroboscopic scenes: Rob Graham, guitarist, 2021, Tracey Welch, Image courtesy of artist
Tracey Welch has been a professional photographer for more than 15 years. Her MA project focussed on her own experience of dyslexia and she continues to challenge a world where for many, words remain a huge barrier. For Tracey, imagery, and music represent a more direct language through which to share experiences and open minds.
Tracey’s clients include the BBC, Channel 4 and Warp Films. Commissions have taken her all over the UK and internationally, with projects ranging from civil engineering to creative arts. Tracey’s work has been published in mainstream press (The Guardian, The Independent) and her music photography has featured in Q Magazine, Kerrang, Mojo, NME and Uncut.
The Stroboscopic Project has been supported by Arts Council England through a successful National Lottery Project Grant. Additional sponsorship for essential project kit has been provided by Nikon UK and 3 Legged Thing.