Mayowa Akande

Places and Shadows

Places and Shadows is a photographic exploration of the North East of England, shaped by my experience of living between Sunderland and Newcastle upon Tyne. Drawn to the monumentality of bridges, historic architecture, riverbanks, seascapes, and contemporary landmarks, the series observes how light, structure, and atmosphere transform familiar environments. Moving between urban infrastructure and coastal landscapes, the work reflects on presence, memory, and the quiet dialogue between built space and natural surroundings. Through shadow, scale, and perspective, the images consider how places are not only seen, but felt.  

Sunderland City Hall, Sunderland, UK. 2023

Sunderland City Hall, Sunderland, UK. 2023

Wearmouth Bridge (Structural Detail), Sunderland, UK — 2023

Through-arch bridge opened in 1929, replacing the historic 1796 cast-iron structure once recognised as the world’s largest single-span bridge.

Wearmouth Bridge (Structural Detail), Sunderland, UK — 2023

Through-arch bridge opened in 1929, replacing the historic 1796 cast-iron structure once recognised as the world’s largest single-span bridge.

Under Wearmouth Bridge with Echo Building, Sunderland, UK — 2025

Under Wearmouth Bridge with Echo Building, Sunderland, UK — 2025

King Edward VII Bridge (Structural Detail), Gateshead/Newcastle upon Tyne, UK — 2024

King Edward VII Bridge (Structural Detail), Gateshead/Newcastle upon Tyne, UK — 2024

Wearmouth Bridge with Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge & Keel Crossing, Sunderland, UK — 2024

Wearmouth Bridge with Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge & Keel Crossing, Sunderland, UK — 2024

Tyne Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

Tyne Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

Dean Street toward Tyne Bridge and St Nicholas’ Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

Dean Street toward Tyne Bridge and St Nicholas’ Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

High Level Bridge & Newcastle Rooftops, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

High Level Bridge & Newcastle Rooftops, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

Dean Street Rooftops with Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

Dean Street Rooftops with Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK - 2024

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead, UK - 2024

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead, UK - 2024

River Wear Waterfront, Sunderland, UK - 2024

River Wear Waterfront, Sunderland, UK - 2024

River Wear Marina, Sunderland, UK - 2024

River Wear Marina, Sunderland, UK - 2024

Hendon Beach Cliffs, Sunderland, UK - 2024

Hendon Beach Cliffs, Sunderland, UK - 2024

Using Format