Tom Cozens

'Situations' took place after our dissertation hand-in. In my dissertation I focused on investigating Essex, the county I was born and raised in. Through this I realised I wanted Essex to be at the centre of my work moving forward, towards the final show and beyond. I used my recent research to inform my work for situations. The work in the project tackles Southend-on-Sea, the city I'm from (and the surrounding areas), it's entropy, fluxes and tales, through drawing, photography and assembly. The photography takes the form of a single photo in a frame, and a small photography book. The photos are shot on film from 2020 to 2025. The drawing is in a dinged up frame and depicts two swans, shot in the neck and face by a mystery crossbow wielding villain. There is a souvenir Southend magnet broken in half hidden in the corner.

The space used was crucial, as it compliments the work. It's a stony, swept away fire stairwell that has brick and plaster walls. Walking on the stones felt like you were on the beach, yet the industrial features and messy walls felt like you were wading through rubble in an abandoned warehouse. These are the kinds of contradictions I want to explore in my work moving forward.

To see the photos in my photography book, and more of my work, visit Instagram page, @gormluss. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, queries or what not!