Navigate, a series by British artist Paul Thompson (b. 1977), records markers found along the UK coastline. Conveying a hidden narrative that speaks of an island identity, the structures quietly safeguard those at sea. Glimpses of red, green and yellow stand out against expansive, hazy ocean vistas, creating a sense of unlikely harmony.

The artist reflects on the works, which began in 2016 – when the country voted to leave the EU: “The images highlight that we are just a small island, surrounded by water. Some of the biggest changes within my lifetime were beginning politically. It made me consider the impact this would have on us as a country, and how the rest of the world would view our island. In the meantime, these very simple structures will guide our seafarers and keep them safe at sea.”

Paul Thompson: Navigate opens at Wren London on 21 March. Find out more here.

Lead image: Paul Thompson, Navigate #III, 2016.