Capturing Community: Artist-in-Residence Ed Brilliant’s Photographic Journey

Ed Brilliant, our resident artist at the College, delivered a heartfelt and engaging presentation to the Art Society. Ed spoke about his unique role at Dulwich and the many creative opportunities it offers.

Ed shared details about his ongoing photography project at Dulwich, which centres around the theme of community. Many students contributed their thoughts on what community means to them, and Ed highlighted the diverse 'families' that make up the College’s vibrant community.

Drawing from his own experiences, Ed reflected on how long it took him to find his own sense of belonging, and how, when he finally did, he realised just how vital community is. This search for connection — and the feeling of absence when it is missing — has become a central theme in his artistic practice. He spoke about how he hopes to continue exploring these ideas here at the College, capturing the many layers of life that make up Dulwich past and present.

During his talk, Ed also shared how he had been exploring the Dulwich College archives. While he found many inspiring photographs and records, he was struck by the absence of images of the College’s operational staff — the cleaners, grounds staff, and catering teams who form such an essential part of daily life here. He expressed his commitment to capturing their presence and contributions in his work, ensuring that every part of the Dulwich community is represented.

Ed also reflected on his earlier photographic work, including his ‘Lonely Lands’ project at the Upper School, noting how the themes of connection and belonging continue to resonate ever now. Another of his projects, ‘How the Birds Fly,’ completed in Vancouver, similarly explored the idea of community as he photographed residents at a care home.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Ed spoke about his experiences as a member of the British Army Reserves. He has captured powerful moments from this other community he proudly belongs to, bringing a deeply personal perspective to his work.

One highlight of the talk was Ed’s demonstration of his vintage large format camera, which captivated the Art Society with its traditional photographic techniques.

The overarching message from Ed’s presentation was the importance of compassion and understanding within our communities. As he continues his photographic journey at Dulwich, Ed looks forward to capturing the stories of the entire College community over the coming weeks and months.