Java's Alley by Don Menges -- Over the years Don has made countless memorable images of both interior and exterior scenes, perfecting his photographic and digital expertise by hard work and dedication to succeed. Today he is justly renowned for his superlative technique and his amazing command of the digital media, all of which are richly displayed in his inspiring exhibition at the Image City. In Java's Alley, Don has used a fisheye lens to imaginatively capture the subject matter in a definitive and creative manner, resulting in a curvilinear vista of the alley, which is framed elegantly by the 2 powerful curved support pillars in the immediate foreground. What is so magical, and is definitely the result of his digital software virtuosity, the graceful curved features artistically taper down until one gets to about one-third of the way into the image, where the alley becomes remapped to a rectilinear perspective. Every element in the first-third of this print, from the brick and concrete sides of adjoining buildings, the brickwork on the pathway and the shadow designs, they are in unison as they eventually lose their curved features. Where the linear perspective begins, Java's Alley continues on into the distance, ending with an open metal structure, against which a person can be clearly seen. The strong directional lighting results in exceptional detail and incredible sharpness throughout the print, and the tonal scale and wide range of values all contribute greatly in making this spectacular print. It is interesting that the strong sunlight passing through the triangular end of the open-meshed roof of the alley, casts a shadow in the form of an arrow, the tip of which points directly at the viewer. Although one is aware of this, there is only one way to visit Java's Alley, and that is directly through the curved portal that Don has so astutely engineered, so that one can journey through the brick walkway and enjoy every feature of this delightful thoroughfare.

Reclining Woman by Don Menges -- Don's enthusiastic support of the art and community intervention project is both laudable and inspiring. He has skillfully captured the very essence and poignancy of some of the wall murals, which will hopefully influence Image City visitors to learn more about this project, and encourage them to visit their location to see for themselves how these murals have enhanced our urban landscape. I was particularly captivated by Reclining Woman, in which Don has creatively utilized a fisheye lens to dramatically make a building structure come alive, to draw attention to an impressive mural of the reclining woman. Using his consummate knowledge of digital software, Don has ingeniously kept the vertical elements in place, whilst masterfully shaping and curving the foreground and the building's roofline to complement many of the features in the mural. There is exceptional visual continuity and the light throughout the scene blends beautifully. The foreground has amazing textural differences that helps distinguish areas of similar tonal values. These textures help highlight every minute detail of the concrete pavement and the myriads of cracks and intricate patterns in the sidewalk. The entire foreground curves effortlessly around the building, and for further emphasis, the lines that separate the concrete slabs all angle and point toward the mural. Of particular significance, the central mural is accentuated in size, whilst the surrounding artwork is tapered down, and it is given the added attention that in all of the exceptional tonal gradations in this image, the highest value is given to the reclining woman. I would be remiss if I did not mention the spectacular sky above the roofline of the building, in which expressive patterns of diffuse clouds all project downwards arrowed towards the mural itself. What is so especial in this uplifting print, is that the mural artist has strikingly painted a real work of art, and that Don has used his great talents to fashion a remarkable image, where all of the elements support the reclining woman, especially all of the curved features which personify and emulate all of the exquisite features of the woman. A real tour de force for Don, and a great tribute to the mural artist.

October 30 Last Day Elements of the ROC by Don Menges

November 1 First day Black-and-White Invitational

November 2 6:30pm Image City Critique Group

November 4, 5 - 9 pm, Reception and First Friday for Black-and-White Invitational