Exploring the steadfast nature of affection, Rachel Segal Hamilton, an author from Birmingham, delves into the significance of nurturing interactions in her book Love Story. Such connections are not merely nice-to-haves; they underpin our physical, psychological, and emotional health. A 2022 study from The Lancet indicates a link between inadequate social engagement and cognitive deterioration. On a more heartening note, recent figures show that a sizable 86.8% of UK adults feel there’s at least one person they can count on when the going gets tough, according to a survey. But in today’s landscape, what does it mean to be in a relationship, and how do creatives capture its essence?
The conversation carries on within the pages of Hoxton Mini Press’s newest artbook, Love Story, presenting the works of 23 photographers who depict heartfelt connections. As visual narratives become tangible keepsakes, these photographers—such as Jess T. Dugan and Lisa Sorgini—broaden our viewpoints on relationships. This anthology depicts various forms of love, from friendships to romantic bonds, from digital courtships to serendipitous meetings, exploring diverse bonds across ages, genders, and societal settings.
Curtis Hughes, a British photographer, provides a glimpse into the lives of couples who have connected online in his series Modern Love. In Lucy & Eduardo (2022), a couple is illuminated by natural light as they embrace in their sanctuary, with Lucy’s gaze piercing through the camera. His artwork acts as a powerful counter-argument to skepticism surrounding digital romances, capturing intimate gestures amongst lovers—no less real for having started on the web. Despite the vast user base of dating platforms—323 million globally—many continue to question their legitimacy. Yet in 2022, a study found nearly half of the American population still doubtful about the effectiveness of online dating in comparison to traditional encounters. Hughes’ work stands as evidence of the enduring nature of relationships formed in the digital age.
Elsewhere, Andreas Reeg delves into family love with his portrayal of 78-year-old twins Franz and Otto, who have never lived apart. Their everyday activities, from household chores to gardening, are captured in Reeg’s photographs, illustrating the profound yet unassuming bond they share through their lifelong cohabitation. Similarly, Paddy Summerfield’s monochrome snapshots of his ageing parents show the depth of commitment through simple, caring gestures, offering a window into a lifetime of shared love and support.
Stepping outside conventional relationship depictions, Richard Renaldi introduces a unique concept: he asks strangers to display kindness by posing together, crafting portraits that convey an openness to new connections. Erica Reade, in contrast, quietly observes beachgoers in New York, capturing the subtle intimacies of anonymous subjects and reminding us that a photograph is but a fragment of a larger story.
Overall, Love Story sensitively unravels the complexity and fragility inherent to our bonds. Each image serves to emphasize our innate yearning for supportive, inclusive, and meaningful connections. As the pages turn, personal stories of closeness weave together, challenging us to consider the depth of our dependency on others in this multifaceted world.
Published by Hoxton Mini Press | hoxtonminipress.com
Words: Megan Jones
Credits:
1. Curtis Hughes, Lucy & Eduardo, London, (January 2022). Courtesy Hoxton Mini Press.
2. Jess T. Dugan, Kelli and Jen, St. Louis, Missouri, (2017). Courtesy Hoxton Mini Press.
