Landmarks, as witnesses to the changing face of cities and vessels of urban identity and cultural heritage, possess a silent yet powerful narrative strength. In this project, I delved into the historical and contemporary stories of Manchester’s iconic landmarks through the lenses of medium format film and Polaroid cameras. These images not only showcase the passage of time and the evolution of the city, but also reflect the construction of urban identity and the formation of collective memory, revealing the dialogue between history and modernity. The project is named "MancShadows," a term that merges "Manc," the nickname for Manchester, with "Shadows," resonating with the project's mode of presentation. I meticulously contrasted historical images with a modern perspective, utilizing a map of Manchester on a whiteboard, physical photos, and three projectors to create a dynamic exhibition, deeply exploring the role of time in shaping urban spaces and people's perception.
I captured the iconic landmarks of Manchester using medium format 6x7 film and simultaneously documented the same scenes with the instant imaging characteristics of Polaroid, combining these photographs with physical Polaroid pictures. I contrasted them with postcards bearing images of these historical landmarks, sourced from vintage markets, exploring the city's historical layers and cultural identity through comparison and documentation. Creatively, I displayed a map of Manchester on a whiteboard and arranged the Polaroid photos and around it, connecting these landmarks with cotton threads, forming a kind of physical, web-like mind map. This unique physical visual presentation not only displayed the specific locations of the landmarks but also brought the unique texture of physical photos, enhancing the sense of immersion in the visuals.
Moreover, I chose an exhibition space where I used three projectors to cast images of the postcards, Polaroid, and film onto the walls, creating a dynamic exhibition space. This allowed the audience to experience the works in a more immersive and interactive environment. This multi-medium display method not only showcased my exploration of Manchester's urban identity and cultural history but also highlighted photography's role as a bridge between the past and present, individual and collective memory. Through "MancShadows," I invite viewers to delve into the role of time in shaping urban spaces and how Manchester narrates its own story through its architecture and landmarks, thereby gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the city's cultural identity and historical layers.
