David Clerihew studied Fine Art at Duncan of Jordenstone College of Art, Dundee. Influenced by Albert Watson, a fellow Dundee graduate, he moved to London and quickly established a career in advertising, working with global brands like Nike, Adidas, and Hugo Boss. His work evolved with personal projects, such as documenting Auschwitz and survivors, which reshaped his approach to photography by emphasising listening as much as the visual aspect.
Clerihew’s later projects, like his exploration of American gun culture and his recent work on the Isle of Skye, challenge traditional photography by breaking down images into objects that evoke deeper emotional responses. Drawing inspiration from artists like Cornelia Parker and JW Turner, he focuses on capturing the passage of time and the raw elements of nature, pushing viewers to connect with the landscape on a subconscious level.