Honorable Mention
Life Saver
DESCRIPTION
My photographs examine the relationship between people and place through the state, perception, and use of the landscape. In “The Guided Tour,” I investigate the barrier between the defined route and taking an independent path. By exploring the Irish landscape beyond the postcard vistas along the coast, I question the perceived value of exotic views in the landscape. In this series, I partake in the 2,500 km Wild Atlantic Way tourist route along the western coast of Ireland. Looking at the promoted landscape marketed for tourism and sight-seeing, the project includes the fourteen main points they advertise as well as my trip between each of them. I’m interested in the experience the guided route provides as it simultaneously embraces the landscape and limits the viewer from beyond. AUTHOR
Robby Toles is a photographer interested in the landscape and its relationship between people, time, and place. His photographs have been included in various group exhibitions, including “Continuance” at UNT on the Square and “Apex” at the Panhandle House in Denton, Texas. After receiving his BFA in May 2016, Robby completed a project and internship at the Gallery of Photography in Dublin, Ireland. Currently, Robby Toles is pursuing his MFA in photography with University of Georgia.