Siân Davey

And as the flowers opened, they called in the community; the mothers and daughters, grandparents, the lonely, the marginalised, teenagers, new lovers, the heartbroken and those that had concealed a lifetime of shame. They became enfolded into the story of the garden, creating and partaking in the story equally.

As the garden evolved it became an expression of joy, interconnectedness, yearning, sexuality, and defiance. The garden became a metaphor for the human heart itself.

Those who entered the garden reflected back to me my history and who I had become.
Everyone has a place in our garden. I am the garden. Those who enter are the garden. Without distinction, without separation.

-SIÂN DAVEY

Michael Hoppen Gallery is proud to announce a solo exhibition of The Garden by Siân Davey at Stills, Edinburgh. Founded in 1977, Stills is a centre for photography based in the heart of the city and for nearly five decades has championed the important and powerful role the medium has in the world today.

Coinciding with the Edinburgh Art Festival, this will be the first presentation of The Garden in Scotland, and the first large scale exhibition of this body of work to date. Siân and her son Luke spent three years transforming their abandoned garden into a haven of wildflowers grown from locally sourced seeds and bulbs.

Siân and Luke fostered biodiversity, encouraging wildlife to flourish in their garden. As the transformation took place, the garden wall became a space shared by Siân and the local community to exchange stories and experiences. When the garden blossomed, Siân and Luke invited those beyond the garden wall to enter. Capturing moments of reflection and closeness shared between families, friends and couples. The Garden was born; a space for heartbreak, healing, joy and connection.

Stills
23 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP

Preview: 31 July 6 - 8 pm
Exhibition dates: 1 - 31 August 2025