The Walker Art Gallery is proud to present an exhibition by world renowned photographer Rankin. ALIVE: In The Face of Death is the photographer’s look at death and mortality. Part of the exhibition will feature images of everyday people who know they are running out of time. Through a series of powerful photographs Rankin has documented the stories of very special people; rather than focusing on death, ALIVE: In The Face of Death is also about celebrating life and diversity of character. The exhibition will also feature images of people who have pulled through against all the odds. A key element to Rankin’s work has been to let people take control of how they are portrayed in the images.

“This is one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever been involved in and looks at life in the face of death. The issue of death is emotive. Part of this exhibition has involved me taking photographs of people with terminal illness which has been quite a challenging process. I’ve met some amazing people and I think each portrait brings out the vitality of each subject, their humour and unique qualities.” -Rankin

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to read the inspirational accounts of people in the image. ALIVE: In The Face Of Death will also be the subject of a landmark Culture Show documentary to coincide with the exhibition, capturing both the artistic process and emotion in telling such a story. This collaboration between the Walker Art Gallery and Rankin has been developed by BBC North and BBC Two’s The Culture Show as media partner.