Special Feature
Is Photography a True Art Form?
a review of the UAC Annual Statewide Exhibition
by Don Thorpe
The controversy of whether photography
is a true art form or not has ridden the art critic roller-coaster for more
than a hundred years, and we are no closer to a satisfactory answer now
than a century ago. Is photography actually an extension of traditional fine
art, or are photographers fooling themselves and trying to hang on to the
coat tails of the "real" artists?
Photographers might well reply, "Of course, photography is a form of
artistic expression. How many times do we have to prove that obvious fact
to society and the art community?"
Well, when was the last time that you saw a call for art that included
photography and painting in the same billing? Not very often. Most of the
time listings of the visual arts do not even include photography, and if
it is included it's treated like a little brother. There are exceptions of
course, and the author once received an award for a photograph in competition
with paintings. Somehow it had slipped into the competition as one of the
"family."
The most common fault of many photographers who claim to be photographic
"artists" (especially the scenic and nature photographers) is that their
photographs generally all look about the same. Their images have excellent
technical quality and pleasing composition, but it would be difficult
to know which photograph belonged to which photographer if you shuffled
the photos and tried to match them.
The challenge then, it seems, is for photographers to discover individual
methods and techniques, along with creative attitudes, that show the uniqueness
of each artist-photographer. Some similar to the Impressionists of the
last century who all developed individual styles that were quite different
from each other. They all had the same kinds of tools, but used them in
dissimilar ways.
Photographic artists should attempt to infuse their photographs with
the breath of life and movement using whatever photographic means available
to merge the images to the emotional moment. This may evolve into an intentional departure from purist
photographic realism, and could open the vision and soul of both photographer
and viewer.
A fellow photographer, Rick Doble, made this comment: "I feel that the
deepest promise of digital photography is a captured image of pulsing
life still beating. Still photography can and should add to and extend
the tradition of fine art."
The photography in the Utah Arts Council Annual Statewide Exhibition,
which was held at the Woodbury Gallery in Orem this month, was a breath
of fresh air in this regard. The exhibit included crafts and photography,
but the focus of this article is on photography.
Many of the photographs were unique in their style without being different
just to be different. There were even some mixed media pieces -- part
photography, part collage, and part sculpture. Because of limited space, I’ll only mention
a few of them.
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A series of nine small
prints, mounted in the same frame, of a young woman's arms and feet by
Christine Dick-Bailey had a feeling of intimacy without showing the subject’s
face. Apparently the inclusion of a clothes iron was meant to give a hint
of daily activity, although, for me, the multiple views of feet and hands
were strong enough to convey an imaginative glimpse into the young woman’s
daily life.
Ashley Knudsen offered another look at feet. This series
of two photographs of feet (with part of a face) was fascinating. One
photograph showed a green toenail with a marble of the same color – interesting!
As was the case of many of the photographs in the exhibit, the artist left
the interpretation to the viewer.
Kim Riley's "Dust Storm" (seen at left), used an out-of-level composition
to give unusual dynamics to a photograph of a temple-like structure and
people in the haze of a dust storm. The simplicity of the subjects almost
obscured in the dust gave power to a scene that could have been too complex
or confusing.
"Evening Light Rozel Point" by Craig Law, a black and
white photograph of reflected clouds, blurred the distinction between reality
and a dream world, allowing the imagination to wonder about the location
and event.
One of the most striking photographs in the exhibit was “Particle Collider”
by Edward Bateman. In this digital composition of mixed subjects, the
artist had complete control of the placement, size and color of theatrical
images. He used this control to create a mood and question about the subject
matter.
Another mixed subject photograph was intriguing. This was the Shawn Harris
craft/photo, “Christo’s Introspection.” Using a specialized photograph
of a young boy, and a photograph of a commercial telescope printed on clear
plastic, Shawn used a variety of technology to create an unusual view into
a young boy’s personality. For me, this piece seemed almost contrived,
but it was effective, and I admire the artist for his innovative approach.
My own experimentation with Photographic Impressionism has given me an
appreciation for the efforts of these photographers who have seen beyond
the restraints of photographic reality and tradition. After all, it is
the impression of the image projected onto the emotions that can lift a
photograph to a level above mere illustration.
However, images that are different to be
different, or contrived to the point that they become strange for the sake
of strangeness don’t seem to be true to the muse, either.
Rick Doble went on to say, "The digital camera and
digital photography may bring us back to our senses." What I think Doble
means is that photographers have become so enamored with tack sharp images
and perfect tonal renditions that they sometimes overlook the soft and
wonderful impressions of the emotions. And after all, isn't that the goal
of an artist, be he or she a photographer, painter, sculptor or songwriter,
to share very personal feelings with whatever tools he chooses. Some of
the photographers showcased in the Utah Arts Council Exhibit have done
just that, and have proven once again that photography truly is an art
form.
NOTE: Don O. Thorpe and his son, Stewart, will have an exhibit at the Glendinning
Gallery starting December 5 th at 6:00 pm. The exhibit is entitled,
“Photographic Impressionism.”
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What is Day Without Art?
Observed annually on December 1st, Day Without Art is a national
initiative that remembers those who have died of AIDS-related illnesses
and recommits to awareness and education. Across the country, thousands
of people are mourning the tragic losses to the arts and creative communities
from the devastation of HIV/AIDS.
The AIDS epidemic has affected the arts community in Utah with losses
in the fields of visual and literary arts, dance, music, film and video,
design, and theater. We must remember these vital and artistic people
who have given so much and who could have expressed so much more.
A Tribute from the SLGA
The Salt Lake Gallery Association will be recognizing this day with
a tribute at many of the galleries on the Holiday Gallery Stroll December
5th. Information about HIV/AIDS, Day Without Art, local resources and red
ribbons will be available at participating galleries. Some galleries will
also feature live performers and volunteers.
Shrouding of Art
Selected pieces of art will be shrouded or displaced at participating
galleries to represent the losses the art community and world has experienced
as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Art Positive!
In addition to Day Without Art, Art Access presents the third annual
Art Positive! Exhibit. It will be held at Artisan Frameworks and Gallery
at 351 W. Pierpont (just west of Art Access Gallery) from December 5th through
December 19th. An artist reception will take place on December 5th from
6-9 PM.
This juried exhibit features acrylic portraits, mosaics and personal
writings from artists who participated in the 2003 Art Positive! Workshop
Series. The workshops, held at Art Access Gallery, were directed by professional
artists Ruby Chacon, Linda Nowlin and Valerie Parker-Price and offered
instruction, supplies, opportunities and community for adults who are HIV+
or living with AIDS.
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