‘Some striking shots that will leave a lasting memory’. New student exhibition opens in HIVE Gallery, Bolton.
Second Year Photography and Photojournalism Students at the Open Night of ‘We Are Essence’. Image: Rachel McHaffie.
‘We are Essence’ is the newest student-lead photographic exhibition that is open at Bolton Marketplace from the 9th - 25th May 2025.
HIVE Gallery has recently opened its doors for its newest exhibition ‘We Are Essence’ which has been created by second year Photography and Photojournalism students who study at the University of Greater Manchester (formerly known as The University of Bolton).
They have taken over what used to be Debenhams in Market Place Shopping Centre to celebrate the production of their work and their successes on the course to date.
This exhibition has been created as a part of their final assessment.
According to the exhibition rationale, written by Photojournalism student Tali-Mae McCreedy, this exhibition is about ‘using imagination to express their inspiration from their chosen photographers’. While the topic of the work varies between each person, ‘the work is built off creativity and equality, with a range of exciting photography styles’.
HIVE Gallery in Bolton Marketplace where the work is being shown. Image: Finlay Nairn-White
HIVE Gallery in Bolton Marketplace where the work is being shown. Image: Finlay Nairn-White
The launch night of ‘We Are Essence’ was a great success with over 70 visitors in the 3 hour window in which the show was open. Friends, family and professional photographers are amongst all of those that attended.
Open night of ‘We Are Essence’.
Overall, feedback has been quite positive with some guests commenting on how ‘professional and well curated’ the show was while others commented on how ‘enjoyable and thought provoking’ the work has been.
The guestbook at the front desk of the exhibition. Image: Rian Murray
The exhibition runs weekends until the end of May so there is still plenty of time to visit with the option of leaving some feedback.
‘We Are Essence’ is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from now until the 25th May 2025.
