Exhibition seeks to re-imagine south Wales valleys

The exhibition opens in May Photo credit: © Clémentine Schneidermann and Charlotte James

A photography exhibition seeking to re-imagine how the south Wales valleys are viewed is set to open this spring.

Ffasiwn, by Clémentine Schneidermann and Charlotte James, opens at the National Museum Cardiff on May 23.

Under the studio name Bleak Fabulous, Schneidermann and James worked with young people from Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil.

The pair have been working with the same collaborators since 2015 to co-create photographs that seek to re-imagine perceptions of the region by focussing on the imagination and creativity of its future generations.

Photographer Clémentine Schneidermann said: "It is very special for us to have our project celebrated at the National Museum Cardiff, which started a grassroot project and developed as an epic collaboration.

“As the project reaches this milestone anniversary, we are thrilled to exhibit it in Wales for the first time in its entirety, featuring nearly sixty prints, films, and publications."

Before each photoshoot Schneidermann and James hosted creative workshops, giving the young collaborators opportunities to customise their clothing and learn skills such as sewing, photography, styling and set design.

Working with the communities in the valleys was especially important for Charlotte James, as her upbringing in Merthyr Tydfil informs her work.

The exhibition also features two films made with the young people, one of which includes behind-the-scenes footage from the project.

Bleak Fabulous' work has previously been featured at the Museum, with the photographs featuring in exhibitions including, The Valleys (2024); The Rules of Art? (2021) and Women in Focus (2019).

Amgueddfa Cymru's exhibitions and public engagements programme is made possible thanks to players of Postcode Lottery.

Ffasiwn opens on 23 May and runs until April 2027.