• home
  • projects
  • previous
  • next

Grounds

by Martin John Callanan

ground.jpg

Enter Gallery ›

Grounds, by Martin John Callanan, is a series of stark images taken in public buildings. As Martin says:

"Civilisation has evolved a mass of organizations and sub-systems ­ human created ­ that exist to service, preserve, operate and progress society.

One cannot stand outside this system to observe and comment. As a citizen I must engage. Identifying the offices, wanting to know what happens within and why.

Permission is sought, often after lengthy negotiation, to visit buildings closed to the public. Buildings that are fundamental to, if not somewhat discrete from, the everyday. Once granted, permission includes lists of restrictions on what can and cannot be photographed. Omissions habitually include: personnel, security devices, computer terminals, doors, and views from windows. Consequently, the resulting photographs are generally of the entrance hall floors of such buildings as parliaments, government offices and the world headquarters of international banks." More of Martin's work is available on his web site.

  • Home
  • The Collection
  • Contributors
  • Projects
  • Submissions
  • Feedback
  • About
  • Links
  • Old News
ISSN # 1551-4870      FILE MAGAZINE © 2004—2008, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.