Across over 160 pages, Embrace, showcases a brand new series of artworks, created by the photographer during lockdown. Close-up and intimate, this series of images reflects the state of the nation and Rankin’s own self-reflexive take on isolation and lock-down through the photography of flowers. 

Rankin says: “Self isolation gave me an opportunity to really focus on this work as I’d imagined it. What’s interesting about these images is how much they reflect my personal state of mind, whilst also in representing my approach to the world. In taking each picture I realised right from the beginning that I was treating them like  a portrait. Whether that was of single flowers or groups,  I couldn’t help but give them characters. Search for  their personalities and try to bring them to life.“ – Rankin discussing Embrace, 2020 

Embrace has been created at a time when we were all disconnected. In isolation, away from his London photographic studio, Rankin’s response is an empathetic portrayal of what a lot of us were feeling in isolation. 
“When we all just needed a hug, so many of us couldn’t even be in the same room, never mind touch each other.” Evoking a sense of loneliness, each of these images finds a form of strength or hope in its darkness and separation. Through the process of creation, Rankin found a way to both embrace being and working alone, alongside using natural imagery to act as a cypher for the wider world. Together with these new images, Embrace delves into Rankin’s working practice, with images of the photographer in his personal studio creating the project. Illuminating his artistic practise and creating one  of the most revealing portraits of Rankin to date.  

This publication was created after Bryan Edmondson, SEA, approached Rankin after seeing the early stages of Embrace on Rankin’s social media accounts. Drawn to their softness and subtle beauty, Edmondson suggested a book collaboration to share this personal project and raise awareness and funds for a charity close to both their hearts. All funds raised from this publication release will go to supporting The Care Workers’ Charity Coronavirus Emergency Fund. Providing emergency grants to support care workers who are shielding, self-isolating, or unable to work due to contracting Coronavirus. 
“Care Workers are heroes. Amongst the lowest paid workers in the country, they provide essential care  for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The Care Worker’s Charity provides crisis grants to these incredible people, seeing them through unforeseen financial crises. The Covid-19 epidemic has made many of us stop and think, to be thankful for what we have and for those who go out every day as part of the UK’s essential services. I am supporting The Care Workers’ Charity Coronavirus Emergency Fund, because whilst Care Workers are an essential part of our healthcare  system, many are struggling to make ends meet during this unprecedented time. I want to show every Care Worker that we support them and make sure they do  not face financial hardship, just for doing the right thing and providing care for those who need them.” - Rankin, 2020