Hayley Donigan interviews Ad Astra composer and photo artist Robert Charles Mann. Hayley explores his new book Solargraphs, as part of Hemeria Publishing’s Frieze Week takeover of Shreeji Newsagents in London (15th – 17th October).
Each summer solstice, Robert Charles Mann returns to Brad Pitt’s château in Provence to retrieve and replace pinhole cameras he installed around the estate. On the winter solstice, he does it all again.
He has been doing this for over a decade.
The result is his otherworldly Solargraphs, which capture the moment between the two extremes of Earth’s orbit. His images are rooted in place yet evoke something existential.
“It reminds us that we are made from the same elements of exploding stars. We are the universe looking back upon itself.”
Hemeria Photography and Arts Publishing House worked meticulously with the artist to curate his first book, which features an introduction by Brad Pitt.
Initimate Pre-launch at Shreeji Newsagents
Shreeji Newsagents, a great place to see Hemeria’s published works
They held an intimate pre-launch in Shreeji Newsagents, Marylebone’s iconic hub for print, art and culture, where Robert and Air Mail’s Writer-at-Large Bridget Arsenault discussed the origins of his work.
A handful of curious art enthusiasts gathered over wine to ask questions and have their copy of the book signed, as well as browse the store’s other collections.
The Pre-launch at Shreeji Newsagents with Robert Charles Mann
From Grammy Nominee to Photo Artist – Robert Charles Mann
Robert Charles Mann started making prints of his father’s negatives aged 8. His mother was a concert pianist. This was formative to his career as a photo artist and musical composer, known for his work on Ad Astra, Grammy nominee for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media.
“My photography and music are interwined and have similarities in terms of spirit and idea,” he explained to me over a coffee in Green Park, London. When he creates a score, he often builds instruments to get bespoke sounds that blend with the orchestra.
He also built the pinhole cameras that produced his solargraphs. These rustic variations of a camera obscura can be in any receptacle and have a small hole rather than a lens. He handcrafted a dedicated camera for each of the 50 images in his book.
He puts specifically-chosen photo paper coated with silver inside, seals up the camera with a pinhole and then carefully installs it somewhere with a view of the sun. Often, Robert climbs to great heights to achieve the desired angle.
Then, nature and time take over as artist. The elements determine what happens to the photo until Robert harvests it. The extended exposure of the negative shows the passage of the sun over half a year.
There is no opportunity to reshoot.
Taking photos at Brad Pitt’s Château Miraval
Solargraph 20220621-05
A film photographer in his own right, Brad Pitt has collaborated and become close friends with Robert over the past few decades. In an effort to continue the legacy of his 11th-century Château Miraval, he invites artists of all kinds to establish residency there.
Robert, who himself has restored a 400-year-old house in Chaumont-sur-Loire, was first in line. He views Solargraphs as his contribution to Château Miraval, capturing its branches, hills, shadows, rooftops, and walls in his ethereal images.
Visits to the château have been his bi-yearly ritual for over ten years, now imprinted in his own life story.
Hemeria – Publishing’s antidote to society’s fast fashion
As someone who takes such care of his craft, Robert sought a publisher who would do the same. Two of his photographer friends recommended Hemeria, which is self-described as publishing’s antidote to society’s fast fashion-esque tendencies.
“The book wouldn’t have come out the same way without them, so I feel lucky that connection was made.”
He worked closely with their small team to curate every detail of the book, from cover, font and layout to type of paper (they settled on a new kind that has seven-coloured ink). “This wouldn’t have happened with a big production house,” he explained.
Solargraphs, published by Hemeria, is available to order on their website and will be released in November 2025
A conviction that books are an essential space for capturing photography drives Hemeria. Compared to the fleeting fluidity of screens, they are tangible and lasting.
They chose to hold the event in a venue that reflects these values, Shreeji Newsagents. Once a traditional newsagent, it has become a landmark for its curated print collections and as a gathering point of art and culture for the neighbourhood.
Reflections on Space, Place and Time
Robert Charles Mann at the Pre-launch
Robert’s thoughtful practice stands with dignity within a culture of instant gratification. He reminds us that we haven’t lost everything to scrolling just yet. Art in its purest form will persevere if we continue to make space for it.
Solargraphs documents moments in time from a place that holds deep meaning for him. Friendship and nature are as intertwined with his work as his own two hands, which built and installed each camera.
Now, Robert shares his craft with children who visit the estate, hosting workshops that captivate and inspire wonder. Every time, he marvels at how engaged and thoughtful the younger generations are.
“There are still holders of the flame around the world keeping these technical processes alive. We can’t let them go away.”
Where to buy Solargraphs
Solargraphs is on sale now through Hemeria and will be available in bookshops in November. Robert Charles Mann is working on an upcoming project showcasing solargraphs taken during his residency at Château de Chambord.
Hayley Donigan is a responsible travel copywriter based in London. Connect with her on LinkedIn or see more examples of her work on her website.
Really enjoyed this. The glimpse into Mann’s work at Château Miraval was really fascinating! Got yourself a subscriber!