Pink Floyd Fans Will Love Polly Samson’s New Art Showcase

Polly Samson, novelist and longtime creative partner of David Gilmour, is stepping into the spotlight with a new photography exhibition that traces the life of Gilmour’s latest solo album, Luck and Strange. Staged at Leica Gallery London, the show brings together images capturing the album’s journey—from early conception and studio sessions to its eventual live performances.

Samson, whose lyrical contributions have shaped works such as The Division Bell and The Endless River, as well as several of Gilmour’s solo releases, documented the process extensively. These photographs were first compiled in her 2024 book David Gilmour – Luck and Strange – Studio/Live, with selected pieces now forming the backbone of her latest exhibition, Between This Breath and Then.

A Creative Partnership in Focus

The exhibition offers more than a behind-the-scenes look at an album—it serves as a study of the enduring artistic relationship between Samson and Gilmour. As the official synopsis explains:

“The work offers an intimate perspective not only on the recordings and performance of an album but also on the creative process formed between two longstanding artistic partners – herself and the book’s key subject David Gilmour.”

Samson’s transition from lyricist to visual storyteller feels seamless. With over two decades spent documenting tours, her photographic eye is deeply attuned to rhythm, mood, and narrative—qualities that mirror her songwriting.

Atmosphere Over Spectacle

Rather than leaning on grandeur, the exhibition prioritizes mood and subtlety. The opening image—a portrait of Samson, Gilmour, and their dog reflected in a mirror within a misty landscape—sets a contemplative tone. As described in the show notes:

“The show begins with a portrait of the artist, David Gilmour and their dog, reflected in a large mirror, placed in a misty landscape, setting the tone for the viewers’ journey and experience which is all about atmosphere rather than spectacle.”

Light becomes a central character throughout the collection.

“Light is king throughout her work, sometimes going to the extreme of only working with candlelight rendering intimate the brightest of recording studios.”

This approach transforms even familiar studio environments into spaces of quiet intensity, where fleeting expressions and unspoken exchanges take on deeper meaning.

Storytelling Through the Lens

Samson’s literary background is evident in the narrative weight of each frame. Her images are suggestive rather than definitive, encouraging viewers to construct their own interpretations. The synopsis notes:

“Samson’s framing of image reflects her background as a writer; there is a narrative weight while remaining open, suggestive and sometimes playful.”

One standout piece, Muse and Magpie, exemplifies this ambiguity, hinting at personal stories without fully revealing them. The exhibition also probes broader artistic questions:

“The exhibition explores questions of authorship and presence — who stands behind the lens, who occupies the frame, and how creative identity is both individual and shared.”

Ultimately, Between This Breath and Then expands Samson’s multidisciplinary body of work, positioning photography as a natural extension of her voice. As the synopsis concludes:

“Through encountering this exhibition we discover a different facet of Samson’s practice, expanding her multidisciplinary oeuvre and foregrounding photography as a natural extension of her storytelling voice.”

The exhibition runs at Leica Gallery London until May 7.