Mat Collishaw was commissioned to research and produce work in response to the photography archive at the Library of Birmingham. After a dedicated research period, he created a new edition of his work available for purchase.

Known for his alluring, poetic, and shocking creations that explore themes from history and religion, often delving into the darker aspects of nature and human character, Collishaw’s visually diverse language captivates audiences. With a keen interest in the history of photography, its subjects, techniques, and machinery, he frequently references historical periods, particularly the Victorian era. The invitation to respond to the rich archive of the earliest photography at the Library of Birmingham aligns seamlessly with his artistic pursuits.

Born in Nottingham in 1966, Collishaw’s artistic journey began at Goldsmiths College of Art. His reputation was solidified with his participation in the legendary Freeze exhibition in 1988, where he exhibited the celebrated Bullet Hole. Over the past decade, his confrontational and challenging works have been showcased in numerous solo exhibitions globally, including notable venues like the Cohen Gallery in New York, Camden Arts Centre in London, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

This co-commission was a collaboration between GRAIN, Library of Birmingham, and The New Art Gallery Walsall.

Image Credit: The Poisoned Page, 2013 – C-type photograph