ABOUT
Qualifications:
MA Photography at the Arts University Bournemouth - Class of 2021
BA Commercial Photography at the Arts University Bournemouth - Class of 2021
Publications:
Pier Journal - Winter 2023
Click HERE to read the Issue
Jodie Wilkins' reviews Of Skin & Rock for Vessel Editions - Winter 2023
“In the dead of night, under stars and silence, climbers yearn to feel the texture of rock glide under their palms. With no caution, their skin grazes the granite. Hands remain with scrapes, taped under loose plasters, their muscles tired. It is a formidable task climbers are up against, yet their only understanding is to reach the top.”
Photographer Fin MacMillan presents “Of Skin and Rock” as his final work upon graduating with his MA at Arts University Bournemouth. Exhibited in book form, Fin has beautifully illustrated stories of rock climbing. From his own interest in the sport, he has pursued a project that unveils multiple climbers sharing individual experiences with the sport.
Awards:
Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards Finalist Nomination: The Archaic Man - Set:
Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards Finalist Nomination:
Amy - Single Entry
Association of Photographers (AOP) Student Awards Finalist Nomination:
Wilting Beauty - Set:
Graduate School Award Prize AUB 2023
Blackmore Vail Fine Art Cup (2018)
Freelance photographer
Curated by Fin, the book has been bound using French link stitch. Using an image from the project as a paper cover that continues to the back of the book. The physicality holds a sturdy weight to the book, obtaining 65 pages long. The book’s size specifics are 8x10 inches; he has accounted for the sizing needed to perfectly fit the portrait and landscape images shown.
The project connects the experience of nature and human. Each chapter focuses on the individuals in the book, a portrait of the climber along with their chosen boulder to ascend. Fin has chosen to shoot this project mostly at dusk; each rock captured in the book illuminated a different perspective for me. Each boulder's textures were extremely similar to how we see images of the moon; the markings and dents, all in sparkling silver, were astonishing. I enjoy this concept of “climbers clutching the moon.” The surrounding darkness creates a mass effect of zero limits; where do these structures begin and end once the element of night is added? Fin chose to shoot on a large format from enjoying previous assignments with the apparatus. I can only imagine this decision came with the formidable task of knowing the weight he would be carrying to shoot this project and, better yet, the quality he imagined the images would be completely paid off.
As much as I have accounted for the textures and brilliance of the rock structures, I cannot deny the beauty that has been captured in the portraits. Showcasing only men, I find it admirable to see them unfiltered and in complete comfort. It seems that modern photography has begun to focus on men being seen for production value rather than simply being themselves - it’s work such as this that I gladly commend. Another focus of the book is the personal texts paired with the climber. Each of the individuals shares their stories of climbing, surrounding the question of why we climb. What is it about this sport that illudes to us so much? Particularly, Jack’s story (pg. 28-33.) Gives me more of an understanding of the community. Jack notes, “Finding windows of peace and solitude. Appreciating the wonder of nature. Not taking life too seriously.” These written texts were necessary to connect the viewer, I believe these elevated stories make the book unique and personal.
As Fin MacMillan’s debut book, I am completely awed by his astounding dedication to making this project. His year-long journey has captured immensely powerful and beautiful images that capture the essence of the rock-climbing community. I am impatient to see what documentary project will be next for the artist.