Photography is an amazing artform. The photo frame is a doorway to an existence of simultaneous fact and fantasy. The mechanics of the camera gives us a sense of truth while expert manipulation of the image allows us to float in a world of fiction. The good art photographer knows how to absent him/herself from the viewer's mind as we look at the image, allowing us to engage with the illusion rather then contemplate how it was made.
Of the 14 artists displaying work here, many are prize winners on the local, national and/or international scene in a variety of photographic categories, while all are commercial photographers and members of the Australian Institute of Professional Photograph. The result is an excellent collection of fascinating images that engage the viewer on a variety of levels.
Anna Bombardieri's grainy black and white images look like rare etchings of the quattrocento Italian countryside while David Brittain's sharp black and white works juxtapose small modern cars against ancient Italian backdrops. With different eyes, each recognizes an essence of Italy.
Nick Djordjevic infuses sea and landscapes with lightning and surreal colours transporting us to an alien world that hints of familiarity. Strong colour is also employed by Geoff Fisher to bring us up close and personal to familiar flowers giving them a sense of the surreal
Peter Hasson's sepia toned Gates of Paradise shows us the way to peace and tranquility as the old jetty stretches out over calm waters. Then Angeline Hazebroek's Global Language brings us back to a corporate reality. The old red Coke sign on the weathered weather board wall could be located anywhere from Nome to Narrogin.
Tony Hewitt provides safe passage over a fearful divide with his iron oxide Firebridge 2 emerging from the smoky mist while Greg Hocking sends us reeling as we view the blue and grey tiles of the Sydney Opera House from an unusual angle. Both these works allow us to keep one foot in reality while the imagination soars.
Nick Melidonis takes us to Naxos where moody skyscapes enhance an ancient ruin and a blue domed church set high on treeless hills. Brian Smyth brings us back to W.A. with his cool blue and mauve waterscapes. Then Richard Syme shows us into the city via Vincent Street so we can gaze beyond reflections on a window to view coffee sippers at a sidewalk cafe.
Garry Sarre provides us with an image of innocence and an unusual position of poise in gentle hues while Lyn Whitfield-King offers a slice of tea toned street life in India and the calm control of a music conductor pre overture. And the master, Richard Woldendorp works his magic by turning the textures and patterns of water washed sand into intriguing abstractions that flow across the imagination.
This is collection of fine work should be seen, contemplated, and appreciated. It is a well curated and presented display and we hope to see more art photography exhibitions of this calibre in the future.