Gallery Photographers
Image City Feature Articles
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Peter's Picks of the Month June 17 - July 12, 2009
Face of India
Peter Marr picked his favorite
photos of the show
All images copyright by the individual photographers
Jim has given us a
scintillating exhibition of the very highest quality, one that clearly shows his
passion and love for the people and culture of the most diverse country in the
World. Centuries of invasion, occupation and re-occupation, of strife, poverty
and ethnic changes, have left
Mother and Daughter Rarely has
a portrait of two family members been captured in such an
endearing and loving manner as in the outstanding image. The
sheer innocence, charm and vivacity of the daughter contrasts so
movingly with the prayerful, deeply caring and loving mother. To
capture such a compelling and entrancing image, we certainly
know that the photographer was equally passionate and loving for
his subjects, in order to get such a memorable picture. Jim has
sublimely caught more than just love and endearment; he has
recorded tradition, faith, culture and family devotion that
dates back many centuries. Artistically, we have the prayerful
pose of the mother, the deep caring for her young daughter, and
we have a sumptuous array of dynamic vibrant colors, contrasting
so beautifully from the deep purple to the blues and cyans in
the lovely traditional garments. What really shines through, is
the love, pride and intensity of the mother, as she gives all of
herself to her daughter, in the hoped for belief, that her child
will be given every chance to be an important member of her
family and of society, so that someday, she may be able to have
a more equal footing with her male counterparts. This is just an
outstanding, delightful image.
Starry Reflection Don’s
exhibition in the East Gallery has a vibrancy and uniqueness that is
both fascinating and delightful. In his short biography, he sums up
his uniqueness eloquently, by saying how he likes to capture an
image that describes an ordinary thing in an extraordinary manner.
His stellar image “Starry Reflection” certainly fits in with this
photographic tenet, but it is also a wonderful stand-alone image,
one that definitely has a presence and mystery quotient that lifts
it into the extraordinary. The camera angle used shows us just the
right amount of reflection on the table, whilst the color quality,
saturation and detail in all of the photographic elements are
superb. What is truly fascinating is that the foreground reflection
of the imaginative mural on the wall is tonally much lighter that
the original, contrasting markedly with the rich and darker palette
seen in the chairs and wood surround. Such lighter foregrounds are
contrary to how our eyes usually see the world, and are known to
lead to the desert “mirage” effects in extreme cases. Here, I would
argue that the van Gogh – like expressionism of the mural takes on a
more Edvard Munch surrealism in the reflection on the table, giving
the reflection a ghostly and more ethereal quality. This mysterious
element definitely adds a delightful uniqueness or should I say “out
of the ordinary” facet to the entire image, lifting this exquisite
and wonderfully seen and captured “record shot” into the realm of
the extraordinary. Hopefully, viewers will use their imagination to
generate their own excitement whilst studying this truly exceptional
photograph.
This majestic
panoramic landscape is remarkable for its simplicity, it exquisite
color, and for its breathtaking view. No painter could have
envisaged and captured this scene, as well as John has artistically
seen, captured and printed this superb image. The range and warmth
of colors in the resplendent sky, wonderfully complements the placid
foreground water, and highlights the narrow peninsula, culminating
in the three lighthouse buildings, which seem to just jump out of
the frame. This awesome print is an outstanding example of how a few
different elements have been woven into a tapestry, to give us a
breathtaking idyllic panoramic, one that has quietness, radiance and
a mesmerizing quality that is just stellar. One’s mind could
conjecture that this lighthouse is not just there for its sheer
scenic beauty, but as a warning sentinel of impending storms, of
dangerous rocks and currents, and of a far more important purpose
than being visually enchanting. Although the viewer could envisage
such a scenario, I hope that all thoughts are quickly dispelled, so
that one can fully appreciate and admire this exceptional image.
A Portrait Surrounded by the superb
portraits taken in India by Jim Patton, this portrait deserves equal praise for
its powerful, penetrating and fascinating study of a gentleman, taken probably
in the southwest, possibly in New Mexico. This is a truly modern, dynamic image,
showing us the strength and the intensity of a man who is proud of his heritage,
dignified of who he is, and what he has accomplished. The wonderful placement of
the subject, striking lighting that gives us all the detail that we need, the
piercing, yet honest and warm look in his eye, the casualness yet immense
strength of his arm and hand, the amazing regal curve of the brow of his hat,
all of these elements contribute to give us a memorable image. The portrait is
enhanced by the vast sweep of the adobe wall, the lighting picking out intricate
details and textures. The wall contributes greatly to the environmental setting,
adding, but never overwhelming the main subject. Your eyes always quickly return
strongly and admirably to the man. You envisage and continue to learn from his
clothes, from his pose, from his steady but penetrating gaze, of a man who seems
to have infinite strength, with no sign of weakness. You are always left wanting
to know more about him. You know he has fascinating stories to tell, of himself,
his family and friends, and possible even his enemies. Such is the strength of
this outstanding portrait that you become absorbed in it, always wanting to know
more, certainly wanting to know if your thoughts and ideas about this man are
close to reality. This is a truly haunting portrait, wonderfully seen and
photographed. | ||||||||||||
Image City Photography Gallery ♦ 722 University Avenue ♦ Rochester, NY 14607 ♦ 585.271.2540 In the heart of ARTWalk in the Neighborhood of the Arts |