A collection of dreamy, pensive girls watch over customers as they sip their wine in a new photography exhibition at the Blacksmith and Toffeemaker pub on St John’s Street. Each of the eclectic photos on display features an individual girl with a tranquil quality but strong, piercing eyes.
The Mona Lisa springs to mind – but rather than a long-gone Italian renaissance painter – these striking images have been made by two young students from Manchester.
Cesca Della-Riva, 23 and Elliot Dowse, 21 are in their final year of a Fashion Styling and Image Making Course at Salford University – this is their first exhibition.
“I like my photos to look like they could be a sort of dream,” Cesca muses, “I think my style lends itself to the dreamy girls that just look really hot and look right at you. I tried to get their personalities across in each one.
“It all started with my love of fashion, but I don’t like stuff that is really posed like in Vogue. I prefer it to be quite relaxed and hazy. Everything I do is decided by what the light is like that day.”
The effect can be seen in the work and the use of soft focus brings an undeniable feel of intimacy to the shots.
The artists, collectively known as Nosi, decided to work together because they both enjoyed taking photos of girls but knew their styles were distinct enough for each artist to be recognised.
Cesca’s favourite image – Lina – is of a vibrant, young girl with auburn hair and porcelain skin. Her knowing stare follows you round the room.
“This picture was very spur of the moment,” said Elliott, “I bumped into Lina at uni and thought she had a great look, so I asked to photograph her. Five minutes later we were doing a shoot in a university staff room.”
The images have received a positive reaction and are selling well. On achieving this at such a young age, Elliott explained: “It was easier because we were working together, and we’re good friends as well as work partners. We pushed each other to get it done.”
The exhibition, which explores the ideas of femininity and youth, is currently on display at the Blacksmith and Toffeemaker.
