Jonathan Oakes caught Liam Hopkins in the Cathedral of Sound

Previously this summer, photographer Jonathan Oakes spent the morning at Mayfield Park capturing Liam Hopkins pictures beside the large -scale public statue, Sound cathedral. Collaboration has existed on the card for some time-Hopkins has long admired the visual style of Oakes, and the statue provides the right moment for two Manchester-based advertising materials to work together.

The shot occurred shortly after the statue was installed as part of Music for the senses Trail, a public art initiative that celebrates Manchester music heritage. The initial light provides an ideal condition: a soft shadow, a muted sky, and a calm atmosphere that allows space to explore the structure and environment. Oakes took a series of broad shots, details, and portraits that highlighted the shape of the sculpture and creative process behind him.

Sound cathedral Made from hundreds of acoustic guitars donated by the community Amnesty guitar. Many instruments have been damaged or not used. People who can still be played to the grassroots musicians, while the rest are raw material for the statue. In the structure, the wind -powered mechanism picks the guitar string, creating a smooth and responsive weather. The result is a kinetic sound statue – a part of the architectural, part of the community monument.

The Oakes image reflects the layered nature of the work. Known for his contemporary and visually striking approach, he carries a strong sense of composition while leaving the texture of the material and the spatial context of coming. The photos are not too stylish statue; Instead, they present it clearly in their environment, highlighting the contrast between industrial materials and the natural environment.

Based on Manchester since 1988, Jonathan Oakes has worked across designs, advertisements, and editorial photography. His work includes stills and motion, often combining both. He is known for balancing courage with restraints, and the quality is proven here – especially in the portrait of Hopkins, which feels grounded and directly, without unnecessary jewelry.

This collaboration offers the right pair of creative practices. Both Lazerian and Oakes operate at intersection of design, crafts, and visual storytelling. In this case, the photos produced provide good visual records Sound cathedral– A piece rooted in the sound, structure, and collective memory.