This week, reviews on ‘Lost in Place’ and ‘Guest Relations’

These two exhibitions will run this week so our reviews go up in the next 24 hrs… stay tuned

8 fantastic points of view from ‘Impressions of 8’ artists in Richmond

Last evening I had the pleasure of attending the opening night for Impressions of 8, a photographic exhibition by 8 local photographers. I thought I’d get there early to look around the images in an uncrowded room but on arrival I found the room already buzzing with the chatter of many people.

I (and everyone else) was graciously met by one of the artists, Barbara Glover, who handed me a catalogue, gave me the rundown and dispatched me into the foray with efficient ease.

The images by photographers; Jennifer Bailey, Bob Cook, Paula Cook, Annette Ferris, Barbara Glover, Tanya Heather, John Hingston and Rod Murphy feature a range of photography styles and interests which in no way detracted from the show. Travel and landscapes was a common theme among most of the works on show, with one notable exception in the work of Tanya Heather whom demonstrates exceptional skill with unusual portraits.

The quality of all the images evoke a timelessness and peace. I think they do exactly what photography should do in transporting you to wonder and appreciate the world at large. The exhibition was opened by Jacqui Dean who did a wonderful job and sung high praises for all involved.

The works are for sale and all exceptionally well priced and would make great gifts with Christmas just around the corner.

This exhibition is definitely a hit and not to be missed. Visit their Facebook Page for further details, but be quick to get there as its only on this weekend!

The exhibition is currently on in the Murray Wing of Richmond School of Arts, 26 W Market Street Richmond, and is open this weekend only from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 26th October and 10am to 4pm on Sunday 27th October 2013.

Selling Dreams – One Hundred Years of Fashion Photography

Simone wears fashion by Venet, River Seine, Paris. American Harper’s Bazaar, March 1963
Melvin Sokolsky
© Melvin Sokolsky / Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Selling Dreams – One Hundred years of Fashion Photography is currently showing at the State Library of NSW this fabulous exhibition features works from William Klein, Richard Avedon and Helmut Newton as well as David Bailey, Arthur Elgort and Lillian Bassman.

The camera work is simple and dramatic with models cleverly multiplied by mirrors or obscured by wispy veils until only a hint of line and form remain. Through it all though, the form, cut and personality of the dress and wearer shines through. Unexpected angles, cropping and low point of view create a feeling of being a voyeur with the shots unfolding before your eyes.

Helmut Newton’s juxtaposition of lithe women against simple, minimalistic backgrounds highlights the magic of good choreography. A start contrast to today’s point of view.

My personal favorites  were by Arthur Elgort, with a personal snap taken on the streets of New York of the makeup artist Wendy Whitelaw and images by Lillian Bassman using reflected light to accentuate situation and intimacy between the models in ‘by night, shining wool’.

Within this exhibition is a selection titled ‘Australian Glamour’ featuring a fabulous model Maggie Tabberer with images by Helmut Newton and Rob Hillier who shot for Vogue and Fashion and Society respectively.

A heads up, Maggie is gorgeous and the images represent the transition of Australia onto this international stage.

The whole exhibition is worthy of some considerable time to acquaint yourself with a candid look into ‘selling dreams, not clothes’ – quote by Irving Penn

You should not miss this event.

It’s free.

The only Australian venue is at the State Library of NSW until November 10.

Latest exhibition reviews – Ansel Adams – Oct 2013

I would have to start with the Ansel Adams exhibition that’s on at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Titled “Photography from the mountains to the sea” this exhibition showcases over 70 original works. Adams creative use of natural light shows through with stunning clarity, as does his love of nature in all its forms. Speaking as a photographer I’ve already seen it twice; once to take in the essence of the works, how it hangs together, the exhibition logistics I suppose you might call it, and once to analyze and dissect the creative aspects, lines, form, composition etc.

I found in his images that his use of light was magical, using it to highlight lines and textures and to frame images within images.

For anyone who is interested in photography this is a must-see event.

On now until December 8th.

Have to start somewhere

Phew, about the hardest thing in getting this up and running today was deciding on the theme to use. So I’m going to see how it goes and we’ll change over if this chosen theme becomes a problem.

all constructive feedback appreciated 🙂