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Peter's Picks of the Month

August 13 - September 7, 2008

Reflections

Stanislaw Goc

Peter Marr picked his favorite photos of the show
by the featured and guest photographers, here is how he described his choices
:

 
                                                                                                                                                                            

All images copyright by the individual photographers

by Stanislaw Goc

Reflections

by Stanislaw Goc

This memorable exhibition is a truly fascinating study of reflections, by an artist who has amazing visual perception and masterful photographic technique. Reflections are not only what the eye sees, but what the mind perceives. When we see in the present, we also reflect on thing past. We listen to the voice of our heart, but our thoughts are very personal and not universal. One should look at each image and explore both visually and emotionally what it means or conveys to you. At first glance, we are looking at reflected images of cityscapes, people, vehicles, etc., captured as three dimensional vignettes with thought-provoking “icons” in store windows or other reflecting surfaces. These “icons”, be they mannequins, models, posters, photographs, cut-outs, or even real people, present the real fascination in this intriguing exhibition. What I see is a reality check. The reality of the reflected background image is factual to us, and we accept the visual distortion that often results, whereas the reality of the image behind the glass (i.e. inside the store window) provides a sharp contrast, as another world observing.  It seems that we can follow at least three paths in our reality check of each print, paths that can definitely overlap. Firstly, we can just admire the picture just as it is presented, and I hope that we will do this for every print, as they are so deserve. Secondly, we can try and relate the image in the window with the reflected image outside, and thirdly, we can explore the image behind the window itself, and perhaps ask ourselves if the magic mirror is disclosing otherwise unseen truths.  I personally believe that we are not looking at real people or parts of real people as reflected images, we are experiencing actual images of people in photographs, posters, cut-outs, etc., as real as they often seem. What we see in the unique outstanding display are countless thought provoking images, a few of which I have briefly outlined below:

 
“Reflections – Wife” Chicago, Il.2006

This is a superb, haunting reality check of a beautiful young woman transfixed by headless, clothed mannequins. Is she “real” – no, only as a photograph or poster, but the resulting print has a powerful symbolism of the “real” vs. “unreal”.

“Reflections – Portrait 2” Chicago, IL 2006

“Reflections – Portrait Pendleton” In

 “Reflections – Portrait Woman in Green”

 

These images are much more obvious reality checks of posters of beautiful women, looking definitively into the future, rather than into the past or present.

 

“Reflections – Politically Correct 3” Nice

 

An absolutely wonderful image, so intense, so powerful. Who could not imagine that the man was a real reflected person looking over the mannequin’s shoulder. The expressive eyes are incredible, even for a man in a poster (or photographic print). A superb, intriguing reality check.

There are countless, memorable images in this exhibition, far too numerous to comment on here, but especially look at the prints that have facial close-ups, culminating in the very dramatic print “Reflections – Her Ego”, displayed just inside the gallery entrance.  The eye is so very real, although it is on a print, peering into our reality, into our thoughts, into our minds.

I would just like to point out that in addition to the exquisite reflection images, there are a few excellent portraits, and in the East Gallery, please make a special visit to see three reflection prints- “Light 1” 2 and 3, where the artist has cleverly captured the fleeting light to form a cross, which culminates in a plate with the carved head of Christ in the center – just incredible symbolism. In conclusion I sincerely applaud Stanislaw for giving us such a truly memorable exhibition. “Reflections” is a display to experience, to visually and mentally absorb, and to marvel at his visual perception. 
Life in Nepal by Josh Bulriss

 

Life in Nepal

by Josh Bulriss

Among many fine images that Josh has on display, this outstanding print is the one that really moves you as something very special.  Beautifully seen and captured, this almost monochromatic study has subtle splashes of subdued colors that call attention in a quiet, but meaningful way. The dominant element is of course the bicycle, resting somewhat uncomfortably against the stark uneven wall.  The inverted wash-bowl and plain white garment, together with the uneven and broken brickwork in the foreground, and crudely patched wall, all suggest a financially impoverished dwelling. The other very powerful element in the scene is an open doorway, strong and powerful, but in dire need of repair.  The totally black interior yields a faint glimpse of unknown objects, an old container sits inside the opening, and there are wires and cracks at the top of the doorway, aimlessly disappearing out of the picture. I would like to think that the interior darkness and apparent poverty is not one of total despair, for there is a shaft of light illuminating the left hand side of the picture, cascading over the sneakers in the immediate foreground, a ray of hope perhaps for better times ahead. This image is a truly thought provoking and meaningful study of a small segment of life in a far distant land, a unique picture that demands one to study every detail, an image that is fascinating, powerful and very meaningful in today’s world.

Edge Series 101-133 by Mark D. Whitney


Edge Series 101-133

by Mark D. Whitney

Six of Mark’s images are truly lovely scenes of cascading waters, and the one that I really admire the most is “101-133”.  The picture is almost completely filled with delicate dancing water, the fine tracery and detail beautifully offsets the thrusting powerful cascade as it majestically flows over the edge of the rock formations.  Although the intricate patterns of the flowing water have been captured so exquisitely, it is the incredible burst of color in the dominant rock formation that pulls this image into the superb and definitely memorable category.  The rich, vibrant colors may have possibly been enhanced by the digital process, no matter, for helped by almost perfect lighting, the water and the rocks put on an outstanding show.   There is such a lovely range of coloration that really seems just right, and the dominant crest of the main rock, with its shimmering mix of warm, saturated colors, even takes on strongly imaginable shapes.  One could easily imagine the rock had the wings of a butterfly, or the face of a fish or even a human, thrusting out majestically into the fast-moving stream.   The overall impression of this excellent image is one of power, majesty, richness and rhythm, whilst maintaining delicate tracery, all of which contribute to how beautiful nature really is.  One is left with complete admiration and gratitude for both nature, and the consummate skill of the artist who captured this scene so wonderfully.

 

   
   

   
 
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