Spanning two worlds with Between Horizons exhibition in Brighton

Between Horizons is the Brighton exhibition from Devansh Soni, the aim to “create a visual and emotional bridge between the two very different worlds that have shaped who I am.”

The exhibition is at Gallery 40, 40 Gloucester Rd, Brighton, BN1 4AQ running from July 20-July 26.

Devansh is originally from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India: “But I am now proudly based right here in Brighton.”

The exhibition is a “dialogue about diaspora, memory, and finding stillness. The collection brings together two contrasting landscapes: the raw, vast minimalist expanses of India like the stark salt deserts of Kutch and the bustling daily life of Gujarat and places them right alongside the quiet, moody, atmospheric landscapes of the Sussex coastline, including Brighton Beach and the West Pier ruins.

I think this will really appeal to people because it offers a completely fresh perspective on the local landscapes we see every day, viewed through a multicultural lens. We live in a beautifully diverse world, but we often get caught up in the modern noise. This exhibition invites the viewer to slow down, step inside the frame, and find a sense of peace. For me, launching this debut solo show is an incredibly significant milestone: it's a celebration of my journey, my heritage, and my new home. I hope visitors walk away feeling a quiet connection to both sides of the horizon.”

Devansh added: “Photography and visual storytelling are quite literally in my bloodline; my grandfather was a passionate photographer, my dad is a photographer too, and growing up surrounded by their lenses completely shaped how I look at the world.

“Back in Gujarat, I carried that legacy forward by working as a cinematographer and filmmaker, collaborating on artistic visual projects for prominent local brands and working with Gujarat Tourism on the iconic Rann Utsav. Looking to expand my creative horizons, I moved to the UK and completed my masters degree in filmmaking from the University of Sussex.

“My transition into fine art, lens-based photography felt completely natural; my cinematic training and third-generation artistic background heavily influence my photographic eye, guiding how I use framing, light, and narrative to tell a deep story in a single, still image. My influences range from classic cinema direction to the minimalist beauty found in vast, empty spaces.

“Today, I balance my artistic practice with working a demanding, hands-on job right in the heart of our community at the Brighton Railway Station. It’s a busy life, but serving the public by day and creating art by night keeps me grounded.

“Between Horizons is the culmination of all these experiences combining my family legacy, my cinematic training, my proud Gujarati heritage, and my deep love for the Sussex coast.”