The Outward Gaze

This collection showcases Joan Leigh Fermor's unique perspective, highlighting her ability to capture beauty and complexity in the world around her in The Outward Gaze.

This new selection of photographs captures the essence of Joan Leigh Fermor, an artist whose gaze was always directed outward. Unlike many photographers who filter their perspectives through a personal lens, Joan’s work remains untainted by self-reference, censorship, or commercial considerations. In The Outward Gaze, the viewer is invited to experience the world as Joan did, through her unfiltered lens that reveals the beauty and complexity of the places she encountered.

The photographs included in this collection are not merely images; they evoke a profound sense of time and place. They resonate with the viewer, leaving many interpretations open, much like Joan herself, who often left things unsaid. This selection mirrors the intimacy and depth found in her previous work, The Photographs of Joan Leigh Fermor: Artist and Lover. Each photograph serves as a portal to a moment captured in time, inviting reflection and contemplation.

The 2018 exhibition at the Benaki Museum showcased Joan’s photographs beautifully, embodying the calm yet dynamic flow of her artistic vision. The larger prints allowed viewers to immerse themselves in the details, enhancing the experience of Joan's unique perspective on the world. Ultimately, The Outward Gaze is a tribute to an artist whose work continues to inspire and provoke thought, illuminating the beauty of the external world through her artistic lens.