In the heart of eastern England’s expansive terrain, known as the Fenlands, you’ll find uninterrupted vistas where land and sky converge. Karl Roberts, a local photographer, regards these vast expanses as his canvas, a space where he crafts the enchantment absent in the everyday world. His creations are a dreamscape, where figures seem to wade through soft-hued skies, tethered to our realm with ropes or encircled by infinite fields of reflective glass.
Roberts shares, “Each piece is a self-portrait and it’s a window to my vulnerability. My innermost ruminations and emotions are exposed for the world to see. It’s an act of openness that feels daunting at times, yet I cherish how it forges a profound bond with those who witness my art.” Interwoven with this vulnerability are visual allegories—flurries of pages pour from books and fiery blossoms engulf vacant roads. Some works, where Roberts appears in suits, might bring to mind the surrealistic canvases of René Magritte (1898-1967), famed for his cloud-floating, faceless personages.
Roberts’ artistic journey is one of release, both in mental and creative senses. He recounts, “The moment I embraced the idea that rules in photography are meant to be bent, my creativity soared. I released the preconception that photography must adhere to certain standards, and embraced the freedom to manipulate my images in ways I truly desired. Witnessing my art evolve and flourish was an exhilarating encounter.”
All images courtesy Karl Roberts.
1. Eternal Cycle
2. Fading Existence
3. Turmoil
4. Escape
5. When Reality Unravels
6. Carrying Vessels
