Resonant Horizons: Still life collection
Ephemeral Beauty: Exploring Time, Reflection, and Photography in ‘Resonant Horizons’
About this series
A still life collection from Resonant Horizons (June-July 2023) exhibition at the Corner Gallery in Stanmore.
Photography has a unique ability to capture fleeting moments, preserving them for eternity. In my collection, “Resonant Horizons,” I explore the interplay of time, reflection, and photography while drawing inspiration from Dutch painting’s compositional mastery, lighting techniques, and materiality. This collection celebrates the timeless allure of flowers and their historical significance, embracing the subtle imperfections of decay. This collection represents a visual journey that intertwines themes of time, photography’s memetic function, and the enduring influence of Dutch artistry.
The Poetry of Imperfection:
“Resonant Horizons” deliberately includes subtly decaying flowers, a poignant reminder of the transient nature of beauty and the relentless passage of time. This choice challenges conventional notions of perfection in photography, embracing the inherent beauty found in the imperfect and fleeting.
Time’s Echo in Reflection:
Reflection on glass surfaces within this collection takes on a profound dimension when paired with the flowers’ imperfections. It mirrors both the beauty and decay, creating a poignant juxtaposition between timeless reflections and the temporal nature of the subjects.
Photography’s Memetic Function:
Photography serves as a medium to capture not just the flowers themselves but also the essence of time’s passage and the fragility of life. These images become mirrors reflecting our own existence, much like the narrative symbolism often found in Dutch still life compositions.
The Dutch Painting Influence:
Inspired by Dutch painting, “Resonant Horizons” employs compositional techniques, lighting nuances, and materiality reminiscent of the Dutch masters. The meticulous arrangement of elements, dramatic low key lighting, and reflective glass surfaces echo the compositional mastery that defined Dutch still life painting.
Conclusion:
“Resonant Horizons” is a testament to the enduring influence of Dutch painting on photography. It’s more than a collection of floral photographs; it’s a meditation on intertwined themes of time, reflection, and photography’s memetic function. The inclusion of subtly decaying flowers challenges conventional notions of perfection in art, encouraging viewers to contemplate the ephemeral nature of beauty, reminiscent of Dutch still life paintings. Through these images, we glimpse the complexity of existence and the enduring power of photography to capture the essence of time itself, carrying forward the legacy of Dutch artistry into the modern age.
Various sizes printed on Hahnemuhle Photo Cotton Rag