"Old Friends" Painting

Images have been at the centre of Allan Levy’s life since childhood. From his first Zorki 4K camera at the age of twelve, through a degree in photographic science and a long career in editorial photography, making images has remained a constant thread. Over time, however, the single image was no longer enough. This shift led to an expanded practice — one that moves beyond traditional photography into participatory, large-scale works that combine image-making, creative technology, and collective experience. Drawing on decades of photographic knowledge alongside a deep interest in digital processes, Allan now creates complex photographic mosaics and public artworks built from hundreds or thousands of individual contributions. At the core of the work is a simple idea: images become more powerful when they are shared. Each piece brings together fragments of personal perspective to form a larger, unified whole — often created live, in real time, with communities, schools, and public audiences. While his earlier work explored movement and atmosphere through panoramic imagery, his current practice extends this into physical space — creating works that are not only seen, but experienced as they evolve. The process is as important as the outcome, with the act of making becoming a visible and engaging part of the artwork itself. Working primarily with lightweight digital tools and bespoke software systems, Allan’s practice bridges craft and technology, enabling artworks that are both immediate and scalable. The resulting pieces sit between photography, installation, and social interaction. Inspiration continues to be drawn from urban environments, landscape, and the energy of public spaces — but always with a focus on connection, participation, and the shared act of creation.