Photographic exhibition documenting Bristol synchronised swimmers to launch
Posted on: 02 Oct 2020The exhibition is by UWE graduate and photographer Eva Watkins, curated by current UWE student Georgina Smith.
A recent photographic series documenting the synchronised swimmers of Henleaze Lake goes on display in Bristol next week.
Hosted by art shop and gallery space Room 212 on Gloucester Road, the exhibition presents images taken by photographer and UWE graduate Eva Watkins.
The photographs capture the unique, local synchronised swimming group who initially formed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Henleaze Swimming Club.
The exhibition launches next Friday, 9 October, and has been curated by current UWE student Georgina Smith.
Synchronised Swimming © Eva Watkins
The club consists of 80 people aged between 11 and 76, who were once strangers.
Over time, Eva comments, strong friendships have formed, “enabling them to share significant life moments with one another.”
“This work recognises their relationships; with one another and to the challenging environment, both as individuals and as a group,” Eva said of the series.
“Working as a team and within the water has substantial benefits for mental and physical wellbeing.
"Water immersion naturally releases Oxytocin providing a feeling of calm and positivity, which allows bonds to form at a deeper level.”
Synchronised Swimming © Eva Watkins
“The team has six sub-groups which are identified by their hat colour; yellow hat group, purple hat group and so on.
“This allows the groups to practice effectively before coming together as the larger team. They practice their routine on dry land and in water to perfect their performance.”
The swimming group had planned to perform at Cheltenham Lido in March, but due to COVID-19, were forced to postpone.
“The team is still determined to perform when times are different,” Eva added.
“I hope to continue this project and swim with them soon. I’m so grateful I could be a small part of their incredible journey in performance, friendship and happiness.”
Eva, who is now based in London, specialises in analogue portrait and documentary photography.
She had planned to present the series as part of her final degree show, but due to the pandemic, this plan was put on hold.
Now, Eva will present the series as a solo show inside Room 212’s new gallery space (located at the back of the shop). 
Find Room 212 in BS7: 212 Gloucester Road, Bishopston
The exhibition launches next Friday, 9 October, with a private viewing from 18:00 to 21:00. Both Georgina and Eva will be on hand at the launch to discuss their work.
The pair will also be at Room 212 on Saturday 10 October from 09:00 to 18:00.
The exhibition will run until 23 October, and guests can purchase prints from Room 212.
Masks must be worn inside Room 212 and a maximum of six people will be allowed inside the gallery space at once. There is no need to book in advance.
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