Living off-the-grid on the Isle of Tanera Mòr
- Text by Niall Flynn
- Photography by Kevin Percival
In 2012, photographer Kevin Percival packed up and moved to the Isle of Tanera Mòr – a remote, other-worldly shelter based off Scotland’s northwest coast.
As a part of the island’s tiny, periodical population, he lived and working there seasonally (eight months on, four months off) for a total of two years, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and never out-of-sight of the sea. At times, he was one of just five people staying on Tanera.
Since then, he has returned for “at least a few weeks every year” as part of an ongoing photo series that sees him documenting the off-grid, faraway existence of the island and the different people – much like himself – that visit and leave their unique mark on it.
“I grew up in rural Derbyshire and I think that’s probably the single biggest influence on the photography I do,” Percival explains.
“I’ve always felt quite passionate about rural issues – both the environmental and the socio-political. Scotland became a second home, it’s the most truly wild-feeling corner of the UK: like where I grew-up, times ten.”
Titled Tanera (Ar Dùthaich), the project – which is showing in an exhibition at London’s Hotel Elephant space – entangles portraiture with distinctive shots of the island’s shapes, forms and textures, all captured – à la Chris Killip, Paul Strand – in black and white.
Framed as a “portrait of a place”, the work operates as a window into life on Tanera. From the wry smile of a young fisher, to the rock formations that long predate him, Percival traces the past and present of a place unlike any other, joining them together as one.
“Making a project about the island drew me in, because it was such a tiny area – but so full of history.”
“You can really see it written into and onto the landscape. Peat cuttings, evidence of previous fires (wild and man-made), buildings, graves, and fields – all remain visible hundreds of years after the original creators pass on.”
Tanera (Ar Dùthaich) is showing from 1 – 31 March, 2017 at Hotel Elephant.
See more of Kevin Percival’s work on his official website.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
The art of paying attention: How Austria’s Alps reward slowing down
Lebensgefühl — With a growing movement of art and music rooted in the area’s mountains, trees and waterfalls, the region is showcasing the importance of the human relationship to nature.
Written by: Sophie Lou Wilson
Grainy, yearning memories of Europe’s ’90s free rave heyday
Never Alone — A new photobook from Cheyenne Clementi and Valentina Morandi presents pictures they made over seven years while touring the continent as part of the Tekno Mobil Squad soundsystem crew. It archives parties, people and a lifestyle largely consigned to the past.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Queer resistance & sun-soaked solidarity at the world’s largest trans pride march
Our Future, Our Fight — Over the weekend, over 150,000 people marched at the London Trans+ Pride, with the parade ending at Trafalgar Square for the first time in history.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Harry Gruyaert’s vintage, kaleidoscopic scenes of New York
A Sense of Place — For 50 years, the Belgian photographer and Magnum Photos member has been capturing NYC’s colourful chaos. A new photobook and exhibition showcase his unique, technicolour view of the city.
Written by: Miss Rosen
