A documentary photographer specialising in social issues and community-based projects is opening a new exhibition at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

Laurie Broughton’s show comprises two projects and a series of photographs that reflect the South Wales landscape.

In both his photographic practice and research, Laurie seeks to challenge preconceived notions of identity and cultural stereotypes. By immersing himself in the communities he photographs, he develops a deeper understanding of his subjects, allowing him to look beyond surface-level assumptions.

His work questions outdated perspectives and aims to challenge societal norms through immersive, long-term image-making.

The first project is called ‘The Sea’. In an age in which the sea is drastically changing due to climate change and the rise in sea levels, the project intends to encapsulate our connection to the ocean. As changes manifest, the usually stable environment of the ocean is becoming more unpredictable and erratic and, in some ways, this phenomenon is akin to the ocean losing its memory.

Marine algae wrapped around bodies serves as a visual metaphor; these images, interspersed and combined with those of the seawater, remind us of the relationship of these two collective bodies, of human and ocean, and their intrinsic, shared memory.

The second project is titled ‘The Welsh Ballroom Community’. Since its creation, Ballroom culture has played an extremely important role in American LGBT+ communities especially, with participants forming 'houses' that functioned as an extended family.

‘The Welsh Ballroom Community’ has already received international recognition since its creation during the lockdown in 2020.

These images were made In the Valleys of South Wales, the Landscape serves to define the Welsh heritage of which these individuals live or have grown up. The outfits were made by seven different Fashion designers all from South Wales from recycled Welsh Flags.

The exhibition runs from August 23 to October 2.