Helen Sear's new photographic series, Still... A Landscape In Ten Pieces, will be premiered at Impressions Gallery, York, from August 9 to October 4.

This will be complemented by the first showing in its entirety of her recent work Grounded (2000-2002).

In Still... A Landscape In Ten Pieces (2002), Sear presents ten photographic fragments taken from one negative: an image of an Alpine diorama - a miniature three-dimensional scene with figures - shot in a natural history museum in Darmstadt, Germany.

Gallery director Anne McNeill says: "Shifting between the museum and the wider world in Still, we see its inhabitant rabbits, birds and deer come alive in individual dramas. Yet when we look again, they are simultaneously pale, frozen, ghostly and glassy eyed. The counterfeit rocks and stuffed animals exist in a no man's land between life and death; illusion and authenticity. They are a true still life."

Grounded (2000-2002) similarly brings an illusory promise of life.

"With their identity hidden, the closely-cropped hides and backs of beasts appear warm, quivering," says Anne. "These painterly virtual landscapes are composed of two image layers: an isolated section of an animal's body digitally montaged on to a ground of sky.

"Bringing to mind 19th century photographic collages of seas and skies, Sear seamlessly fuses together two independent elements to form a perfect and credible whole. Working through an infinite range of moods, the hides of the animals appear to reflect the conditions of the sky. We sense the raw and physical inescapably connected to the celestial - and vice versa."

Helen Sear will be in York for the opening of her exhibition, giving an artist talk and signing copies of her book at Impressions on August 9 from 2pm to 3.30pm. Places are free but booking is advised on 01904 654724.

The following day, from 3pm to 5pm, she will be among the artists, curators and writers attending Impressions' 4th Annual Summer Party and Exhibition Launch. Pimms will be served.

Grounded is accompanied by a full colour, soft-back book, Twice, with essays by David Bate, Sharon Morris and Liz Kent. Published by Zelda Cheatle Press, it is on sale throughout the exhibition at the special price of £15.

Impressions Gallery, in Castlegate, is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, and Saturday, 9am to 5pm; admission is free.

u The Camera Never Lies? photo-graphy project for 12 to 16 year olds will run at Impressions, York, from August 18 to 22, 1pm to 4.30pm daily.

The five days of photographic activities will take their inspiration from Helen Sear's imaginary landscapes. "This is a chance to learn about and experiment with photography, work with a professional artist, have fun, make new friends and get your work exhibited in Chilli's Cafe Bar at Impressions," says gallery programme manager Pippa Oldfield.

A maximum of 12 places is available so early booking is advised on 01904 654724. There will be a nominal fee.

Updated: 10:36 Friday, July 25, 2003