A Passion for Collecting



Collecting is a pleasure, a passion, and often a means of preserving treasures that have personal value. American photographer James Higginson reveals to us magical pieces and an irresistible aura. With the inherent joy of discovery, the exciting search for hints of the unusual, perusing his series of porcelain vases is like recovering long-long treasures.


Not only collectors but also those who espy the unique in the quotidian feel particularly emotional about Higginson’s works. Those who can see the value in the small details, not only in large things, are drawn to these. Even at passing glance the enchanting photographs reveal silhouettes that might have otherwise remained unseen.


Higginson is able to channel a collector’s passion into our own memories of things we know – as well as things still new and unknown. He very consciously transmits the aura of historical rarities and antiquities such as family heirlooms into the lines of his vases.


He also generates a moment of fascination and surprise similar to the instant of opening a special present, a feeling that captures the very personal meaning an object can have for its owner. Collectors will make room for their most special treasures and have particularly fond memories of things they once possessed or gave proudly as gifts.


Higginson’s Chinese vase photos in the series Recollection were created in illuminated colors with a negative process. Their glow imprints itself on the mind’s eye and leaves a lasting memory. Observing them allows us the opportunity to find, discover, rediscover. His works inspire us to recall lovely, curious, perhaps even adventurous stories, almost as if these were our own precious possessions.


In the intense colors in the vase photographs – colors we do not necessarily expect from porcelain – we discover both patina and aura. In the Mirror Recollection series, astoundingly brilliant brass and gold effects are accompanied by reflections, which hold their own magic.



Higginson adroitly transforms simple objects into treasures.