Fraser Lawson

Fraser Lawson’s symmetrical constructions propose a graphic counterbalance to the randomness of nature. ‘Neuro-divergent’, he is driven to create these relatable forms to regain a sense of control over the chaos of outside forces. In the same way a gardener is compelled to compose and manage the arrangements of flowers and shrubs in a ‘perfect’ garden Lawson fabricates a sense of order in abstracted photographs of plants and landscapes. This process has a therapeutic, calming effect on what he calls his ‘jittery mind’. The final image reflects Lawson’s appreciation for the beauty of nature, but the manipulation veils another layer. Familiar images of flowers, trees and landscapes appear simply mirrored, but look closer and within the reflection, camouflaged in plain sight, you will see a face staring back at you. Is it a mythical creature or a primitive mask? An angel or a demon? Or is it nature itself passing judgement on its own destruction and exploitation by man. Whether the image is a celebration or subversion of its subject is open to interpretation. Like the ink blots in a Rorschach test, depending on your state of mind, it is up to you. Lawson simply asks the question: ‘What do you see?’...