A major new exhibition by artist Joy Gregory will open at Arnolfini in Bristol this October, bringing together more than 150 photographs, films, installations and textile works exploring identity, beauty, history and belonging.
Opening on Saturday 17 October 2026, Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey forms part of Bristol Photo Festival and will run at Arnolfini until Sunday 7 February 2027.
The exhibition offers visitors an extensive look at Gregory’s approach to photography and image-making, bringing together work created through historic photographic processes, digital media, textiles, film, installation and performance.
Exploring Identity, Beauty and Belonging
At the heart of Catching Flies with Honey are questions around identity, beauty, history and belonging.
Across more than 150 works, visitors will be able to see how Gregory has used different techniques and materials to examine the ways people, histories and experiences are represented through images.
Her practice moves beyond conventional photography, combining photographic processes with textiles, moving image and performance.
The exhibition demonstrates how photography can be used not simply to record what we see, but also to question ideas about representation, memory and identity.
More Than 150 Works on Display
The scale of the exhibition gives audiences an opportunity to experience a wide range of Gregory’s work in one setting.
From traditional photographic techniques to digital approaches and installation, the exhibition highlights a practice that has continually expanded the possibilities of photography and image-making.
It will be presented at Arnolfini, one of Bristol’s major contemporary arts venues, as part of the wider Bristol Photo Festival programme.
Free Entry at Arnolfini
The exhibition opens on 17 October 2026 and continues until 7 February 2027.
Entry to Arnolfini’s galleries is free, and visitors do not need to book in advance.
Joy Gregory: Catching Flies with Honey
Arnolfini
16 Narrow Quay
Bristol
BS1 4QA
Dates: 17 October 2026 – 7 February 2027
Opening hours: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Admission: Free