Everything is Never Enough is a group exhibition of work by artists Holly Birtles, Rachel K Gillies, Fergus Heron, Åsa Johannesson, and Martin Seeds.
Specifically derived for Photo Fringe 2026, this work exposes the processes behind research-based art practices that have photography at their core. The materials on display are presented not simply as evidence of process but as works of enquiry in their own right.
Bringing together photographic works, sketchbook materials, ‘failed’ images, test strips and research data, the exhibition asks how and why artists do what they do. Rachel K Gilles tells us more…
Please tell us who you are and a bit about your practice
“We’re a group of artists who also work as lecturers and researchers at the University of Brighton, and are part of the University of Brighton Photography Research Group. Our practices vary in subject, but we’re all research-based artists. We are Holly Birtles, Rachel K Gillies, Fergus Heron, Åsa Johannesson, and Martin Seeds.
What exhibition are you bringing to Photo Fringe?
“Everything is Never Enough
We’re self-producing our exhibition as part of Photo Fringe 2026. Partly because we know that exhibiting work is integral to the development and testing of the work we make, and also because we want to be a part of the photography community that the Photo Fringe creates. Several of us have also been trustees with Photo Fringe at different times!”
Can you tell us what this exhibition is about and what inspired you to create the work featured in it?
“Everything is Never Enough is a group exhibition of work by artists Holly Birtles, Rachel K Gillies, Fergus Heron, Åsa Johannesson, and Martin Seeds. Specifically derived for Photo Fringe 2026, this work exposes the processes behind research-based art practices that have photography at their core. The materials on display are presented not simply as evidence of process but as works of enquiry in their own right. Bringing together photographic works, sketchbook materials, ‘failed’ images, test strips and research data, the exhibition asks how and why artists do what they do.
The exhibition takes its title from the Goldfrapp song Everything is Never Enough. For the artists, the phrase describes a condition of making, and proposes a dialogue with photography as an illusion of plenitude while fragmentary and incomplete; an enquiry – a process of making anew in order to ask what else is there; a context – where iteration and feedback form a continual state of becoming; and a surrender – an imperative to keep enquiring without the promise of a linear path towards resolution. To make is to look again, to return to ‘failed’ attempts, to try again.”
What do you hope visitors will take away from the experience?
“Maybe something about demistifying the process behind producing a body of work. It’s often never finished, but we select configurations of it at certain times for exhibition. Everytime we do this, we develop, reflect, resolve…and the process continues. “
Why should people visit this exhibition?
“A sneak peek at parts of the work you usually don’t see!”
Can you describe your work in 3 words?
“Practice. Process. Experiment.”
Why is Photo Fringe important and why have you taken part this year?
“Photo Fringe is vital for Brighton and local photograhers to have a place to exhibit, to experiment and to meet others from the arts community. We’re just happy to be a part of that.”
What is the best thing for you about Photo Fringe?
The city comes alive with art.
See Everything is Never Enough the Phoenix Art Space – Project Space, from 21 – 25 October, Weds to Sun, 12-5pm
