Olly Geary Navigates Heritage and the Uncharted Streets of San José in "Limpid Blue"

A photographic journey into the heart of Costa Rican identity, where the absence of conventional addresses becomes a profound metaphor for connection and discovery.

Scottish photographer and director Olly Geary has embarked on a deeply personal and visually compelling project titled "Limpid Blue." This ambitious undertaking, born from a month-long immersion in San José, Costa Rica, the homeland of his mother, delves into the intricate relationship between place, memory, and identity. The series transcends mere documentation, transforming the act of navigating an unfamiliar city into a powerful exploration of familial history and the fluid nature of belonging.

Geary’s exploration of San José is distinguished by a unique challenge: many of its streets lack official names or numerical designations. Instead, residents rely on a rich tapestry of anecdotal directions, passed down through generations, to locate themselves and their destinations. This unconventional system of navigation becomes a central theme in "Limpid Blue," illustrating how a city’s identity can endure and adapt, even as its physical landscape evolves and technology advances. For Geary, the process of charting these unmapped territories became an act of translation, a way to decipher not only the urban environment but also the echoes of his own heritage.

Genesis of a Photographic Expedition

"Limpid Blue" is more than just a visual record; it is a meticulously crafted narrative that intertwines Geary’s photographic vision with the very fabric of his family’s past. The project’s genesis lies in Geary’s desire to connect with his maternal roots in Costa Rica, a country he had never visited prior to this immersive trip. His mother’s homeland, previously understood only through familial anecdotes, became the canvas for his artistic exploration.

The photographic process itself was guided by a profound sense of curiosity. Geary would commence each day from a familiar landmark, allowing an intuitive exploration to dictate his route. This deliberate embrace of the unplanned led him to discover hidden corners and unexpected vistas, gradually forming a photographic map that mirrored the organic rhythms of San José. The resulting images are not isolated snapshots but rather elements that appear interwoven with the very directions shared by his family during his stay. This deliberate integration serves to chart both the physical topography of the city and the evolving contours of Geary’s own familial history.

A Legacy of Navigation and Connection

The absence of conventional street addresses in San José presents a fascinating paradox. In an era dominated by GPS and digital mapping, this reliance on oral tradition and generational knowledge highlights a distinct form of urban connection. Geary found himself immersed in this unique system, where navigating the city became an act of listening, remembering, and interpreting. This personal experience of disorientation and eventual discovery mirrors the broader themes of finding one’s place and forging connections.

During his month-long stay, Geary was fortunate to be welcomed by his mother’s extended family. He resided with his uncle, a man he had never met in person before, yet with whom he immediately felt a profound sense of belonging. This familial embrace proved instrumental to the project. His uncle not only offered invaluable advice on places to explore but also served as a personal guide, offering intimate tours of the city during Geary’s initial days. This personal connection fostered a sense of ease and allowed Geary to approach his photographic exploration with a deeper understanding of the local context.

The project resonated deeply within Geary’s family, sparking enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute. His great-uncle provided the very directions that are now interwoven throughout the book, offering a tangible link to the city’s traditional navigational methods. His aunt played a crucial role in the translation of these directions, further enriching the project’s collaborative spirit. Witnessing how each family member interpreted the project and contributed their unique skills provided Geary with insights into familial connections he hadn’t previously recognized. This collaborative effort transformed "Limpid Blue" into a shared exploration of heritage.

The Art of Intentional Discovery

Geary’s creative process is characterized by a dynamic interplay between instinct and intention. While he generally approaches image-making with an instinctive flair, driven by the constant presence of his camera and a desire to capture fleeting moments, "Limpid Blue" represents a significant shift towards a more deliberate and conceptual methodology.

"Generally I have an instinctual approach to image making," Geary explains. "I try to carry a camera at all times and shoot as much as possible, later I notice patterns connecting the images and often a project emerges from that. In saying that, over the past year I have actively been trying to be more intentional in my way of working by developing projects that focus on a location or an idea. Limpid Blue is the first project to come from a more deliberate approach."

This intentionality is evident in how Geary embraced the act of walking as a fundamental element of his photographic practice. He acknowledges that photography has always served as a form of personal navigation for him, a way to orient himself within his surroundings. He finds that his most compelling work often arises from moments of being lost or taking an unexpected detour out of sheer curiosity.

During the creation of "Limpid Blue," Geary found a profound resonance between his own practice and the city’s unique navigational system. His daily explorations often involved extensive walking, sometimes leading him in circles or down unfamiliar paths. These unplanned detours, however, proved to be incredibly fruitful, leading him to discover areas of San José that a typical visitor might overlook. This process of getting lost and subsequently finding his way became a metaphor for his personal journey of reconnecting with his heritage.

"I think what draws me to photography is that it creates curiosity in my approach and enables me to learn from the landscape around me," Geary reflects. This inherent curiosity, amplified by the specific context of San José, allowed him to develop a deeply personal and insightful visual language.

From Personal Project to Published Work

The culmination of Geary’s month-long journey is the beautifully realized photobook, "Limpid Blue." This publication is not merely a collection of images; it is an immersive experience designed to transport the viewer into Geary’s personal exploration of San José. He meticulously curated the sequencing of the images, aiming to evoke a sense of being in an unfamiliar environment and encouraging the viewer to construct their own understanding of the world presented.

The abstract nature of some of the photographs demands a deeper engagement from the viewer. Geary intends for these images to be contemplated, allowing the viewer to spend time deciphering their meaning, much like unfolding a physical map to better understand its intricacies. This tactile engagement is a deliberate choice, aiming to replicate the physical act of discovery and exploration.

"I wanted to create a tactile experience, adjusting the pages to get a better look at the image the same as you would when unfolding a map," Geary explains. "I hope a sense of playfulness comes through in the work. San José is an overwhelming yet exciting city and it was important to have element of lightness to the final selection to reflect that."

The "Limpid Blue" photobook is a testament to the power of artistic vision and the importance of supportive platforms for emerging artists. Geary was selected as one of the winners of the 2025 Art & Photo Book Award, a prestigious recognition that provided him with the crucial support to transform his project into a tangible publication. In collaboration with Bookmobile, a renowned book manufacturing company, Geary’s vision was brought to life, offering a physical manifestation of his deeply personal journey.

Influences and Aspirations

Geary’s artistic practice is continually shaped by a diverse range of inspirations. His early experiences in film school, where he discovered the immediate impact of photography, fundamentally altered the trajectory of his creative path. The privilege of traveling and living abroad, stemming from his upbringing in a small Scottish town, has broadened his perspective and deepened his understanding of the world.

Currently, Geary finds inspiration in the writings of Nan Shepherd, whose early 20th-century observations of the Scottish Cairngorms have ignited a desire to spend more time exploring his homeland. This connection to nature, particularly the wild outdoor spaces, is a significant influence. Living in the Netherlands, where such landscapes are scarce, has amplified his appreciation for natural environments, often serving as a necessary reset after periods of intense urban work.

"Recently I’ve been enjoying the writing of Nan Shepherd on her life in the Cairngorms in Scotland in the early 1900’s. Her perspective on Scotland and it’s landscape is really refreshing and it’s given me an itch to spend more time back home and get out in the hills," Geary shares. "I’ve also found myself drawn back to the outdoors. Living in the Netherlands, the lack of wild outdoor spaces has been a big a change for me. My work often keeps me in the city and I find that after long stretches spent there I have to spend time in nature to reset."

The ability to sustain himself through his artistic endeavors has been a profound milestone. The realization that he could make a living from his photography was a surreal and deeply validating experience. This financial independence has allowed him to pursue ambitious projects like "Limpid Blue" and to continue developing his artistic voice.

The Road Ahead: Scotland and Beyond

Looking towards the future, Geary harbors ambitious plans. He aims to dedicate more time to his native Scotland, embarking on a long-term project that explores themes of landscape and culture from a renewed perspective. He believes that his time spent living abroad has provided him with a unique vantage point from which to re-examine his homeland. This new project, he hopes, will also culminate in a published book, a format he finds to be the most effective means of presenting photographic work.

Beyond specific projects, Geary’s ultimate aspiration is to continue a life dedicated to photography, encompassing the creation of books and extensive travel. His journey with "Limpid Blue" exemplifies a powerful intersection of personal heritage, artistic exploration, and the enduring human need to connect and understand our place in the world, even in the absence of conventional signposts.

"That’s a big question," Geary muses when asked about his lifetime accomplishments. "To be honest, I would be happy if I can continue to make a living from photography, working on books and travelling."

The opportunity to publish one’s work is a significant aspiration for many artists. For those inspired by Geary’s journey and the realization of "Limpid Blue," the opportunity to apply for the 2026 Art & Photo Book Awards is available, offering a pathway to bring their own creative visions to fruition. The success of "Limpid Blue" stands as a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated artistic vision and the vital role of platforms that champion emerging talent.