"Never Grow Up" by Gawain Kinnersley: A Photographic Tribute to Growth and Reflection

By Bethany Harrison

Introduction

Gawain Kinnersley’s Never Grow Up transforms the evocative lyrics of Will Varley’s King for a King into a stunning series of monochromatic images. The project draws deeply from the song’s themes, which chronicle the journey of growing up, choosing values, and finding meaning in life’s defining moments.

For Kinnersley, King for a King isn’t just a song; it’s a portal to reflection. “The song is so visual,” he explains. “It fascinates me how it can make me relate to experiences I’ve never had. It paints this vivid picture of a boy growing up into a man, choosing his values, and still holding onto that childlike wonder.” This interplay between nostalgia and maturity lies at the heart of the series.

Bringing the Old-Fashioned Narrative to Life

As a homage to Varley’s song, Kinnersley opted for black-and-white imagery. This choice imbues the photographs with a sense of age and universality, inviting viewers to step into a world where memory and imagination intertwine. Each image captures key moments in the protagonist’s life, subtly referencing the milestones that shape a person’s character and choices.

The stark contrasts of black and white create a rawness that mirrors the complexities of growing up—moments of joy juxtaposed with lessons learned the hard way. These photographs are not merely visual representations; they are emotional prompts, asking viewers to reflect on their own journeys.

Personal Reflections: Growth, Nostalgia, and Community

Kinnersley’s work resonates with anyone who has grappled with the universal process of growth. It reminds us of the importance of the values we choose the memories we carry, and the child within us that never truly fades. The series offers viewers a chance to revisit their defining moments, sparking thoughts about how those experiences continue to shape them.

The Role of Solent University in Crafting Compelling Narratives

Projects like Never Grow Up exemplify the dynamic opportunities available to photography students at Solent University. The university’s modules encourage students to develop a rich understanding of storytelling through the lens, of blending technical mastery with conceptual depth.

In modules like Contemporary Photographic Practice, students explore current photography trends while developing innovative works that reflect their interests. Meanwhile, Photographing Communities invites students to craft impactful community-focused projects, from refining ideas to mastering location lighting and documentary approaches.

The Photographic Practice program fosters creativity at every stage, guiding students through pre-production research, technical training, and post-production editing. This comprehensive approach equips budding photographers with the skills to turn concepts into compelling visual stories, much like Kinnersley’s ability to bring King for a King to life.

A Lasting Impact

Through Never Grow Up, Gawain Kinnersley offers more than a series of images; he provides a visual narrative that resonates deeply, blending music, memory, and imagination. It’s a testament to the power of photography—not just to capture moments, but to evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire reflection.

For students at Solent University, Kinnersley’s work serves as an inspiring example of how coursework and creativity can combine to create something timeless. And for viewers, it’s a poignant reminder that no matter how far we’ve come, the child within us is always worth revisiting.

If you’d like to see the full album, click here