David Perkins - Tess Durbeyfield - From Innocence to Experience - Uneasy Return

Photography
32 x 49 cm
2026

Self-taught in the 1970s, David Perkins has developed his photographic knowledge and skills through experience and ongoing learning. He has studied at Arts University Bournemouth to further develop his creative skills through formal learning. Influences include Artist Helen Sears and Photographers Jerry Uelsmann, Abelardo Morrell, Vera Lutter, Valda Bailey and Don McCullin. His work encompasses both traditional photographic styles and experimental techniques from Intentional Camera Movement to blending multiple images in camera/post-processing. It continues to evolve as he encounters new influences and explores ways of capturing and creating new photographic images. Exhibitions and awards include: • Discerning Eye Exhibition, 2025 • Solo exhibition at Hatch Gallery Christchurch, 2025 • Espacio Gallery, Shoreditch, 2025 • Honourable Mention, Minimalist Photography Awards, 2026 • Winner, Digital Art Award, Beecher’s Gallery Open, 2026 • Arts by the Sea Festival, Bournemouth, 2026 These images are part of a series entitled ‘Tess Durbeyfield – From Innocence to Experience’ based on Thomas Hardy’s novel, Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The project arose from an idea to tell her story by describing through images a journey Tess made early in the book. The series was shot in Spring 2026 across North Dorset in locations through which Tess may have travelled to introduce herself to the d’Urberville family; and her first fateful meeting with Alec. It also alludes to the even more significant emotional journey Tess takes through the book from the opening scenes on the village green to the climax of the book at Winchester Jail.