How the birds fly
by Edward Brilliant
bachelor of fine arts, photography major
Third Year | Graduation year: 2024
Edward Brilliant, #03, #04 and #05 from the How the birds fly series, 2022. (Images courtesy Edward Brilliant)
Edward Brilliant, #03 from the How the birds fly series, 2022. Archival inkjet print, 60.96 x 76.2 cm. (Image courtesy Edward Brilliant)
Edward Brilliant, #04 from the How the birds fly series, 2022. Archival inkjet print, 60.96 x 76.2 cm. (Image courtesy Edward Brilliant)
Edward Brilliant, I from the How the birds fly series, 2022. Archival inkjet print, 60.96 x 76.2 cm. (Image courtesy Edward Brilliant)
About the Artist
Edward Brilliant is a British photographer currently studying at Falmouth University in Cornwall, after having studied at Emily Carr University last year. Brilliant is currently working on his project, How the birds fly, working with the elderly to create powerful photographs highlighting the importance of not forgetting what we have.
Brilliant also explores the English rural landscape with his new project documenting the life of youth growing up in rural England and the troubles, tribulations, joys and successes they face.
Brilliant’s work, created mostly using medium-format film, looks at social norms as well as the socioeconomic climate from which he is currently living.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
The ongoing project, How the birds fly, examines themes of connection, care, isolation and loneliness. In this photographic series, I work with residents in assisted-living homes to create images that render the complexities of aging within a society that somehow has forgotten how to care for those who cared for us.
Through portraiture and still-life photography, I offer a glimpse into lived lives rich in memories, skills and knowledge yet often deemed useless by a society prioritizing youth, productivity and consumerism. The images convey a sense of longing and isolation and seek to question many of our societal approaches to aging and our devaluation of care and community.
While this series is not specific to the place or the individual sitters, the work is distinct in its message that we need to find better ways to age and care.