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Based on a True Story

Photography series by John Kippin now on display at The Beam

John Kippin’s photographic prints are currently on display at The Beam, as part of a long-term loan programme.

John Kippin has been a central figure in the emergence of photography as an independent art form, in the UK, from the 1970s through to the present day.

Kippin is best known for his landscape photography. His work has contributed to debates about the nature of post-industrial landscapes, national and regional identity, forgotten spaces, and the power of the state and commerce to reshape the world.

Since the 1980s, Kippin has created billboards for public spaces that directly intervene in the social realm. The billboards respond to messages of advertising with counter-cultural propositions, and questions.

A clean, minimalist gallery space with white walls and gray tile floors. On the right wall hangs a framed photograph showing people near water with industrial structures in the background. A tall, round black table stands in the middle of the room. On the left side is a doorway with a green exit sign above it. The ceiling is white with square lights and five round black speakers or vents in a row. A second floor or balcony area with glass railing is visible at the top of the image.

Barrow Boys

John Kippin

1990

Photographic print

A framed photograph on a white gallery wall shows an old sailing ship with two tall masts reflected in calm water. The photo has a wide white mount and thin black frame. Below the picture is a tall black table with coloured chairs - brown, beige, and blue - pulled up to it. To the left of the photo is a small round table with a thin black stand, holding an open book or pamphlet. The floor is made of large grey tiles. A small information card is visible on the wall to the right of the photograph.

Authentic Reproduction

John Kippin

1994

Photographic print

A spacious, bright interior with five framed landscape photographs hanging in a row on the white wall. On the right wall, a list of location names in red text includes

(Left to right)
Shakespeare Country, Newcastle upon Tyne
Hidden
Beneath
Nostalgia for the future
The Last Ships, Sunderland

John Kippin

1988 – 2010

Five photographic prints

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