Reflection

In my recent photographic journey, I found myself in a memorial park, unexpectedly drawn to a sequence of signs that transcended their locality while situated in Hamilton Square Gardens, Birkenhead, as of April 2024. These images—spanning the evocative poetry of Wilfred Owen, solemn memorial plaques, and an immersive modern music installation—guided me through a nuanced exploration of remembrance and loss.

Initially, my visit to the park wasn’t intended for this purpose. Yet, the compelling presence of words amidst tranquillity captivated me, turning my casual visit into a spontaneous photographic endeavour. The process was organic, led by chance encounters with texts that resonated deeply.

In curating these images, I focused intently on the text, allowing the background and specific contexts of their origins to fade. This deliberate choice aims to elevate the universality of the narratives encapsulated within. By stripping away the distinct markers of location, the images could indeed belong to any corner of the UK, making the names listed on these signs echo the loss of families nationwide, underscoring the pervasive shadow war casts over humanity.

Moving forward, I’m contemplating further anonymising these images. I aim to strip them of any residual markers of identity or location. This act isn’t about erasing history but rather about highlighting the omnipresence of making the statement that grief, in its most raw form, is a universal language unbound by geography or time.