Gallery Photographers Image City Feature Articles
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Gallery Picks of the Show Rochester Clicks September 5 - October 1, 2023 click here to return to the details of the exhibit All images copyright by the individual photographers
Gallery Partners have chosen their "Picks" of the Guest Photographers
All images copyright by the individual photographers
Sts. Cyril and Methodious Church
By Dick Beery
Dick Beery’s Gallery Pick entitled Sts. Cyril and Methodious
Church, is part of his series of Painted Churches of Texas. The
intriguing aspect of these churches is that they were made of wood,
but painted to simulate stone and marble. Dick’s photograph serves
as a visual reminder of the historical significance of St. Cyril &
Methodius Church, one of the oldest Czech Catholic churches in
Texas. In an effort
to make their new churches feel more like the ancient Gothic
structures of their homelands, the early settlers painted the walls,
altars, and arches of their simple wooden sanctuaries in colorful
patterns and clever tromp l’oeil images. Stepping into Dick’s
Gallery Pick photo, which concentrates on a small section of the
interior of the church, is like entering a realm of divine beauty
and spiritual serenity and is a testament to the rich history that
must lie within its walls.
The photograph transports the viewer back in time offering a
glimpse into the past, when the settlers created the amazing
paintings; while simultaneously celebrating the present, as seen in
the pristine renovated walls meant to preserve the past.
Upon first glance, the composition of the photograph captivates me.
Dick used an angle that leads the viewer’s eye up the colorful
“marbleized” pillar and decorative walls, towards the angel
overlooking the scene. The vibrant hues gently illuminate the space
creating a sense of ethereal beauty. The intricate details of the
painted pillar and walls, adorned with pastel hues create a
kaleidoscope of colors that dance across the image. By concentrating
on just one small section of the church, the photo conjures several
questions that might spring to mind about the rest of the church and
the early people who attended it. One thought that I have as I
continue to stare at the photo, is how many children were
reprimanded as their attention wandered away from the mass because
there was so much to see as they sat in the pews and gazed up.
It is a mesmerizing portrayal of a sacred space filled with history,
beauty, and spirituality. It captures the essence of the painted
church, inviting viewers to appreciate the intricate details and
immerse themselves in the profound sense of peace and reverence that
permeates the air.
Thank you, Dick, for bringing this and several other painted
churches alive for all of us to enjoy!
Watch Dog
By Jim Dusen
There is order in chaos. Driving through back roads we often
encounter such scenes. Possessions piled up, often looking like a
collection of “things” that should be at the landfill.
The building or shack leaning to one side, the door ajar, the
umbrella propped in the warning cone, has seen better days.
Boxes, supermarket shopping cart filled with abandoned items.
Disarray?
And in the center, the protector: the Watch Dog, calm. He seems so
“part of it all.”
It’s a scene full of stuff, but there’s delight in the photo. It’s a
story, and we might wait until the main character emerges from
inside. The viewer can probably remember seeing something similar,
but it makes them wonder who will emerge from the building, will the
watchdog greet him/her or will the owner sic the dog on the
photographer. What is the owner’s story?
This photo captures this scene in an elegant composition and great
use of lighting, making for wonder in the eyes of the viewer. The
tree connects the photo gives life to this corner of the world.
The other important factor is almost complete desaturation of the
image. It gives the sense of being “old” – not just age, but
the “good old…” Really well done!
By John Solberg An Encore Selection from 2016 Every one of Chip’s stellar images
relate to precious moments in time, in which he has brilliantly and
artistically captured scenes that tell emotional and awe-inspiring
stories that cover the gamut from humor to sadness. In Tango, there is a gracefulness and
passion that is unsurpassed, where all of the elements work harmoniously
together. What is especially memorable, is that even in rather modest
surroundings, exemplified by the bare wooden floorboards and the highly
colored cement block wall, these entertainers are so decisive and
passionate about their music and dance, that one could easily imagine
that they were performing before a large audience in a club or concert
facility. The ambient lighting is virtually shadowless, yet it
highlights every important detail, and greatly contributes to the
inspiration that one gets in watching and listening to this intimate and
joyous stage presentation. The classic pose of the dancers as they
perform the tango has been impressively captured by Chip, beautifully
illustrating the couple’s passion and their love for the dance and
music. Obviously, the two musicians in the background play an important
part in this ensemble. The accordion player sits in a very stoic pose,
virtually ignoring the dancers so that he can concentrate solely on the
music, which no doubt he has played countless times, yet one knows that
he is very cognizant of the couple’s every movement. The singer in the
background adds her own vocal talents to the group, and it is left to
the viewer to fully enjoy the quartet’s interpretation of the tango.
Certainly one can imagine the dancer’s fervent and exciting movements,
and definitely one can hear the romantic music. I would be remiss if I
did not mention of how Chip has creatively captured this uplifting
image, and of special note is how the singer’s right arm follows and
blends beautifully with the upraised arms of the dancers, just as though
the action was choreographed to near perfection. On the Edge of Light
Mike has presented me with a collection of photographs that meet his
goal; photos taken with very little light available, mostly sunsets.
The Conversation, however, is the one I was attracted to
immediately. The sunsets are nice, but this photo is so interesting
and unusual and it made me want to spend some time with it. I was
fooled at a distance as I thought this was a B&W foggy photo with
very little detail, but I was drawn to it because of its mood and
mystery. It turns out it’s not a B&W photo as the yellow of the
incandescent lights prove.
This, not quite a square photo, is excellently composed. The
parallel white streetlights lead me diagonally through the fog like
an airport runway. They’re echoed by those yellow lights running
alongside. The diamond shaped sign is usually a warning sign, but
the fog and lack of light don’t provide enough information to
determine which. Of course, this adds to the mystery.
The closely grouped horizontal white lights to the left push
my eyes from the edge back into the photo where I’m rewarded with
the benches running along the same diagonal as the lights.
Corbett’s Glen Phantasmagoria
by Tom Kredo
Many of us have seen excellent photos of Corbett’s Glen, but in Tom
Kredo’s Gallery Pick entitled Corbett’s Glen Phantasmagoria,
Tom takes the subject to a whole different level. The photo is part
of Tom’s display of eight fantasy photo compositions; many that
include self -portraits of himself. When I read the title, I thought
about the meaning of Phantasmagoria, which brought to mind illusions
or deceptive appearances as in a dream or imagination.
Then I thought about what the man in the foreground might be
pondering as he gazes down the road (that is superimposed over the
water under the bridge); and he sees the silhouette of a man,
confined in his home surrounded by flying birds.
This composite photo effortlessly captures the essence of human
existence, presenting a thought-provoking narrative that lingers in
my mind long after viewing it.
The composition of the photo is skillfully executed with the
man positioned at the forefront, as the long road under the bridge
stretches into the distance; acting perhaps as a metaphorical
representation of the journey through life, possibly symbolizing the
passage of time and the unknown that lies ahead.
The road might symbolize a passage, a threshold between the known
and unknown. It invites us to ponder the man’s perspective, as he
gazes towards a house in the distance.
The house, seemingly ordinary at first glance, holds a
captivating secret. A
man, confined to a second-floor room, is visible through the window.
The juxtaposition of freedom and confinement raises questions about
the complexities of human existence.
The presence of birds soaring around the house adds an ethereal
touch to the composition.
These birds, possibly representing freedom and liberation,
create a stark contrast to the man’s restricted circumstances.
Their graceful flight serves as a reminder of the vast
possibilities that lie beyond the confines of our own lives.
The use of a composite technique enhances the overall impact of the
photo. The seamless
blending of different elements creates a surreal atmosphere,
amplifying the emotional depth of the scene.
The use of black and white adds a nostalgic touch, evoking a
sense of reflection and introspection.
Tom’s photo invites viewers to delve into the complexities of the
human experience. It
prompts us to contemplate the dichotomy between freedom and
confinement. It serves
as a poignant reminder that life is a tapestry of emotions,
experiences and unanswered questions. It is a testament to the power
of visual storytelling and the ability to ignite our imagination and
provoke deep contemplation.
Thank you, Tom for such a mind-stirring Gallery pick!
Jeffery Tree by Nancy Rice
Typically, landscape photographs show numerous trees, clouds,
mountains, etc. This requires the viewer to appreciate the entire
vista, looking at the interrelationships between the objects. Too
often we “label” each component and then do not spend enough time
focusing on the image. “A tree is a tree”.
Nancy has presented a beautiful image of a tree, isolated from its
surroundings. Using this minimalist technique, we marvel at the
stark beauty of this tree against the snow field that envelops it.
Most of the leaves are missing so we can focus on the tree trunk and
its branches. But the leaves make the tree look less austere,
perhaps the promise of spring or the closure of fall.
Tones are muted, which contrasts with the overall white of the
tree’s surroundings. Nancy has placed the tree center but down
towards the bottom of the frame in a very pleasing composition.
One sees connections to Japanese brush painting, where the beauty of
nature is presented abstracted from the details of the surroundings.
A beautiful photo that would be welcome on your wall! | ||||||||||||
Image City Photography Gallery ♦ 722 University Avenue ♦ Rochester, NY 14607 ♦ 585.271.2540 In the heart of ARTWalk in the Neighborhood of the Arts |