Artist’s beauty in the mundane exhibition at Blackburn gallery

Jack Bolton’s new show Something Somewhere, presenting images linked by their vivid colours, surreal compositions, and ambiguous subjects, will open at Prism Contemporary art gallery during the first week of April.

The Blackburn-born photographer’s art, which is internationally published and exhibited, focuses on surreal moments in urban environments to encourage people to observe the everyday moments they overlook.

One of Jack Bolton’s photographs (Image: Jack Bolton)

Jack said: “The title ‘Something Somewhere’ is very objective and vague which runs with the theme of the work, as the locations within the photos aren’t revealed and most of the work is untitled. 

“The aim of this is to remove any predetermined feelings about the images and allow the viewer to focus on the visuals, colours and composition of what they’re looking at, and maybe ask questions later about where it was taken or what the subject is. 

“Some are harder to make out than others, but I think there’s probably a fun game of ‘guess the location’ to be had!”

The photographs, captured between 2022 and 2025 across diverse locations, from Northern England to Germany, and the United States, centre intriguing patterns, colours, textures, and blurred people contrasted within seemingly monotonous and average street environments.

Jack said the title ‘Something Somewhere’ was also inspired by a quote from photographer Peter Mitchell: “I take pictures of nothing, that’s maybe something somehow.”

Creatively, Jack is inspired by photographers like Saul Leiter, Ernst Haas and Sarah van Rij who he said “all have an incredible eye for detail and colour in fleeting everyday scenes, essentially transforming things we see day in day out into works of art”.

“This is something I try to carry with me,” Jack said. “Whether back home in Blackburn and Leeds, or when visiting places like New York City, I think it can be applied no matter where we are, and I hope people feel the same way when they see the work.”

Jack Bolton’s photograph with the Empire State Building in the background (Image: Jack Bolton)

Alongside Jack’s skill in obscuring the boundaries between documentary and abstract photography in naturally lit urban environments, he creates portrait and editorial photography with a similar style.

Something Somewhere will run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 4pm from Friday, April 4 to Saturday, April 19 at Prism Contemporary, Lord Street West, Blackburn, and the public is welcome to join the opening night on Thursday, April 3 from 6pm until 8pm.

Jack said: “The opening night should be good fun and it’s a great opportunity to see the work and discuss it with other people, have some free refreshments and catch me if you have any questions about the show!”

The photographer will also sell a limited run of 30 A5 prints and a zine mirroring the show, with a few extra images, during the opening night at Prism.

Prism Contemporary is a gallery space supporting creatives through artist studios, collaborations, and exhibitions, and engages the community around cultural events and festivals.