Emma Critchley has worked underwater for over a decade using photography, film, sound and installation to continually explore the human relationship with the underwater environment. Her work explores the topographies, the body and the ocean. Focusing on the reciprocal relationship between the body and its surrounding animate environment, her work investigates the continual exchange that takes place between these two spaces: a relationship that becomes heightened when immersed within the thick liquidity of water.

Emma’s underwater work has enabled her to explore waters across the globe, with recent artist residencies in New York, Barbados and Singapore. She also works as underwater Director of Photography and camera operator within film and TV.

She is currently working on a commission for Opera North to create a film installation that will tour to Leeds Central Library, the Southbank Centre and the BALTIC centre for contemporary art this summer.

For b-side 2016

Emma will be diving and filming the wrecks of Portland. Fascinated by the way sound is perceived beneath the waters surface, she will explore how this affects our relationship to the surrounding environment.