DARREN
SMITH

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Darren Smith is an Amsterdam-based photographer whose work explores the intersection of identity, ritual, and social environments, focusing on how individuals construct and perform presence within collective contexts.

 Since 2016, his work Mayflies is a photographic series that continues to evolve on temporary communities, ritual time, and the construction of identity. The project is regularly expanded.

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x Fireflies Exhibition
Up Helly Aa Fire Festival 2025



up helly aa, at x fireflies exhibition, lerwick, united kingdom

26 january – 20 june 2025

mareel arts centre — ze1 0wq lerwick, united kingdom

Selected carnivals, folklore, and religious festivities, from Mayflies, exhibited at x Fireflies.

Darren joined the curatorial panel for the selection of local photographers taken across Shetland's fire festivals. The two joining exhibitions revealed the care, craftsmanship, and dedication that goes into every detail of Up Helly Aa, and the interplay of costume and identity.

Bridge of Walls, image courtesy: Noah Hobbin
Copyright Darren Smith 2026. No part of this website may be used without permission in writing.