British photographer Sam Irons has made a name for himself with his series "Grid Reference," a visual exploration of deserted landscapes around the world. The son of actor Jeremy Irons, Sam has developed a career of his own, with a keen interest in forgotten places and empty spaces.
Irons' photographs in "Grid Reference" range from vacant lots to deserted urban sites, composed with a minimalist aesthetic and soothing pastel colors. Each image is accompanied by precise geographic coordinates, encouraging viewers to discover for themselves the meaning and location of these mysterious places .
Defamiliarizing the familiar
In an interview, Sam Irons explains:
My work focuses on the landscape in which we live, often unnoticed and neglected, and attempts to defamiliarize it—hoping to touch on some of the mystery inherent in everything around us.
This approach invites viewers to reconsider everyday environments from a new perspective, revealing the beauty and strangeness of ordinary spaces. Irons has traveled the world to capture these scenes, from solitary towers under construction to closed exhibition spaces. The series encapsulates his experiences and understanding of different cultures and communities.
A refined technique
Irons' works are characterized by careful composition and subtle use of color. The images are generally printed in large format, enhancing the visual impact and immersion in these isolated landscapes. Each photograph, while visually simple, carries a depth and sense of mystery that captivates the viewer .
Sam Irons' Grid Reference series invites us to see the world differently, to appreciate the serenity of empty spaces and find the sublime in the ordinary. It embodies a reflection on our everyday environment and how we interact with it. We invite you to visit his official website to find out more.
