Convergences
Words
Newark-on-Trent as you've never seen it before
On display at Newark Castle Station from Wednesday 25 March 2026, Convergences is a series of enigmatic artworks showing local landmarks in new and interesting ways.
Captured by local people living with sight loss, the photographs were taken during a series of 2025 workshops. Led by Nottinghamshire-based artist Daniel Rapley, participants were supported in using 35mm cameras to photograph scenes around Newark. Daniel layered and abstracted the resulting images, blending together different perspectives of the town.
Featured landmarks include the town hall, Newark Castle, the Canal and River Trust Dry Dock, and Ossington’s Coffee Palace. As well as giving everyday scenes an otherworldly feel, the artworks mirror the optical effects experienced by people living with macular degeneration.
To bring Convergences to life, Open Doors collaborated with MySight Newark and Newark Castle Adopters. MySight Newark is a local social group empowering individuals with sight loss to live full and independent lives. Newark Castle Station Adopters are a group of volunteers dedicated to the upkeep and improvement of Newark Castle Station and the surrounding environment, along with promoting community engagement.
"I loved having a real camera back in my hand as a person with sight loss."
Here's what workshop participants said about their experience documenting Newark:
"As a resident of Newark, I feel proud to portray our town through its buildings and surroundings. Using photographic art as a medium is another dynamic way to represent the town." - Sue, MySight Newark.
"I was offered a camera with large magnification. When you only have poor sight in one eye it's exciting." - Shirley, MySight Newark.
"The Castle, river, and railways have played such a big part in shaping the Newark we have today. It was lovely to be able to spend some time taking photos of the delightful town I live in." - Helen, Newark Castle Station Adopters.
"I loved having a real camera back in my hand as a person with sight loss. I'm not technically minded and taking pictures on my phone isn't something I think of automatically. A real camera, which somehow enhanced what I viewed, was wonderful!" - Nadine, MySight Newark.
"It made me aware of looking at buildings carefully and observing the craftsmanship that had gone into the work." - Diana, Newark Castle Adopters.
"It was lovely to be included in a project like this as a person with sight impairment." - Zoe, MySight Newark.
On display at Newark Castle Station from Wednesday 25 March 2026
