About the event

In 'Bog Story', Chad Alexander traces the historical and contemporary landscape of peatlands in and around the Sperrins, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. His exploration delves into the cultural and environmental significance of bogs, examining the personal, economic and mythical relationships between people and land. Alexander highlights the damaging effects of industrial practices such as drainage, extraction, afforestation and unregulated burning that threaten these fragile ecosystems, while also showing the potential for restoration at Haughey’s Bog under the stewardship of Ulster Wildlife. Facilitated and permanently installed at An Creagán community centre in Omagh, the work is also on display in the Botanic Gardens.

In the far north, a narrow valley of temperate rainforest endures with minimal human interference. Trees are left to die, to fall and to nourish the forest floor in a continuous cycle of decay and regeneration. Using alternative photographic processes, after washing and bleaching his exposed film in the River Glenarm, Helio León has produced large abstract prints on fabric. Fittingly, this work is displayed within the Tropical Ravine of the Botanic Gardens during the festival. 

Visualising Natural Heritage of Northern Ireland: 

Visualising Northern Ireland’s Natural Heritage is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, five diverse photographers are collaborating with conservation groups and local communities across Northern Ireland to visualise our natural heritage, with a focus on Lough Neagh, peatland, marine areas, the wider Belfast Hills and temperate rainforests.

These new co-curated narratives and photographic works will feature in exhibitions and events in Belfast, throughout Northern Ireland and beyond. Belfast Photo Festival and its partners aim to foster creativity, build meaningful connections and generate lasting public engagement with societal impact to help protect the environment.