Microscopy of the Union Flag is a forensic visual examination of the Union Jack. Utilising progressively greater magnification, the exhibition is a photographic exploration of the physical aspects of the national flag intended as a reflection on the crisis of national identity in which Britain currently finds itself.

Utilising extreme macrophotographic and microphotographic techniques, the work offers a literal parallel to the frantic introspection of a country seeking a definition of itself. The national collective self seems characterised by its rifts as much as common values; rifts between the constituent nations of the Union, as well as the potentially deeper rifts between those of diverging views about the nation’s place in the world at large. The work is a reflection on nationalism and patriotism and is in a literal sense a search for meaning within these concepts; patriotism has vastly different meanings and emotional weight between individuals.

Join us on Thursday 16 January, 6-8pm, for the opening of the exhibition.

Join Chris Oakley at 7pm on Thursday 20 February for an informal artist’s talk and Q&A about the development of the origins and development of the project, along with the technicalities of its production. Book now.

Workshop: Microscopic Landscapes
Saturday 22 February 2-4.30pm
Artist Chris Oakley invites you to experience microphotography. Bring a flat object small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, which we will photograph in microscopic detail to reveal hidden landscapes. Bring your smartphone to learn some mircophotographic hacks, and see a basic DSLR microscopy rig in action. The results will be shared online via Instagram.
Tickets: £10 – £14. Book now.