kelly sian rankin
about
Rankin is a visual artist, writer and educator, whose artwork focuses on the places and people that feel like home. Rankin’s practice is research-based; using art and creative spaces to explore community and belonging. Drawing on the power of narrative, Rankin’s research informs her photography and films. Rankin works predominantly with analogue film and photography; enjoying the therapeutic nature of the darkroom process and community.
Rankin grew to adulthood sandwiched between the rural New Forest and the city of Southampton. After spending her twenties in London, she now lives in Barnsley, Yorkshire. Each place, and each home, can be traced through Rankin’s work as she explores heritage, identity and belonging, through the female gaze.
current projects
Barnsley FOTO Festival 2026
Barnsley’s inaugral photography festival is coming this February, transforming the town we know and love. Expect contemporary photography from exciting early career artists, cherished archives reimagined, and two weeks of vibrant engagement for everyone.
Community Archive Engagement Project
Barnsley FOTO Collective Exhibition, Barnsley Civic
Festival Coordination and Curation
Exploration of Britishness
Rankin is currently researching and building a project which focuses on Britishness; both in terms of community and personal identity. This project began through an exploration of coastal towns; her own heritage, archival imagery and memory. Through open dialogue and creative collaboration, participants will examine British values, traditions and symbols, both cherished and contested, offering new perspectives on what it means to belong. The project positions immigration and diversity not as external to Britishness, but as central to its story.
Rankin is working on this project in collaboration with Barnsley Civic and Barnsley Foto Festival.
features & media
Upcoming: Exploration of Britishness (Barnsley Civic) 2026
Upcoming: Barnsley FOTO Collective Exhibition, Barnsley FOTO Festival 2026 (Barnsley Civic)
Upcoming: Artists Residency (CONTACT, Devon)
Upcoming: Barnsley FOTO Collective Exhibition, Barnsley FOTO Festival 2026 (Barnsley Civic)
Upcoming: Artists Residency (CONTACT, Devon)
Viktoria Zuziak: Dare You 2021-22
Viktoria Zuziak: Gender Benders AW20
Rodeo Magazine
DIY Magaine
LOCK Magazine
CRASH Magazine
Far Out Magazine
education
BA Hons English and Media
MA Creative Writing and Critical Life
Secondary PGDE in English
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