Working with film, photography and poetry, Tony Fisher explores themes surrounding mental health and wellbeing. Over the last 40 years, the artist has battled loneliness and isolation, creating a personal narrative central to his work. His practice is deeply rooted in the representation of lived experience, both personal to him and the communities that he meets and connects with.
Only the Lonely? is an ongoing photography project that documents one of the biggest crises faced by many people in the UK today, the increasing epidemic of loneliness and disconnect from modern society. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Fisher set out to investigate what it means to inspire and help increase positive wellbeing. He began connecting with people who shared similar experiences to his own and documented their portraits and stories.
The 2020 national lockdowns made his project more relevant as isolation, depression and loneliness became more prevalent and visible. Adapting to restrictions, Fisher pursued his commitment to document the lives of people most vulnerable. By capturing them through photography, this timely project champions a sense of belonging throughout the recent challenging times.
Fisher’s photographs are bold, characterful and vibrant. His work captures moments of hope amidst the increased anxious feelings felt by many during the lockdowns, and aims to bring joy to all those that take part.
The artist has organised regional exhibitions of this work to continue bringing people together. The Art House is delighted to present the most recent work in the series, which celebrates the individual spirits that come together to form cherished communities.
Image: Tony Fisher, Happy to chat, Burnham on sea, courtesy of the artist.