Gathered Leaves: Photographs by Alec Soth, Science Museum

Award-winning American photographer Alec Soth is finally getting the spotlight at London's Science Museum this autumn. Gathered Leaves: Photographs by Alec Soth is a collection of the photographer’s world-renowned monochrome works as well as the UK premiere of Soth’s tragicomic photobook, Songbook.

What's on display?

The majority of Soth’s works chronicle his numerous journeys across America in search of human relationships, human interaction and their antithesis - individualism. This eagerly anticipated exhibition displays photographs from previous photobooks, including Sleeping by the Mississippi and Niagara, alongside photographs from the critically acclaimed Songbook, published by Michael Mack in 2012.

Alec Soth | Songbook

We highly recommend taking the time to savour Soth’s Songbook collection. Soth’s latest photobook captures the nostalgia of small town America in an era defined by globalisation and virtual social networks.

The collection comprises poignant photographs of estranged individuals mid action in environments disconnected from mainstream society.

Look out for one of our favourite retro photographs entitled Bil Sandusky, Ohio, which depicts a solitary yet smiling man, dancing in a hall. This work exemplifies Soth’s creative talent and fascination with the transitory and the anxiety associated with loss or isolation. The mischievous tension between joy and sadness played out in the photographs bestows a sense of foreboding on the collection, that establishes itself as a lyrical cross section of life in America. Soth’s Songbook adopts a melodic rhythm, as aptly chosen lyrics from verses of the Great American Songbook punctuate the visual narrative.

Who is Alec Soth? Bio...

Alec Soth is a Minneapolis based artist, whose iconic work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions worldwide, including the 2004 São Paulo and Whitney Biennials. As a photojournalist for The New York Times Magazine and Fortune, Soth has gained an international reputation and has subsequently published his work with Little Brown Mushroom, the publishing house founded by the artist in 2010.

Gathered Leaves: Photographs by Alec Soth is a sentimental yet startling exhibition showcasing the photographer’s distinctive poetic vision and raw talent. Do not miss the first UK exhibition at the Science Museum’s Media Space dedicated to one of the world’s foremost documentary photographers.

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