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Gallery Picks of the Show Black & White Invitational January 21 - February 16, 2025
Gallery
Partners have chosen our "Picks of the Show" All images copyright by the individual photographers
Untitled #1 This evocative photograph by Bruno
Chalifour, from his series inspired by his native region of
Limousin, France; masterfully demonstrates the essence of black and
white photography. The
scene was captured on April 1st- a poignant reminder of
climate change’s unsettling impact, as snowstorms in early spring
are not the norm. The image captures a winding path flanked by
bared trees, with the winding path serving as a visual guide,
leading the eye into the frame and suggesting a journey or
introspection. The play of light and shadow, though subdued during
the storm, enhances the mood of solitude. The barren branches,
dusted with snow, echo themes of resilience and vulnerability,
evoking an emotional response.
The fine texture of the snowflakes, seemingly suspended in
motion, suggest the intensity of the storm, while framing the
background trees in a surreal, dreamlike haze. Bruno’s belief that black and white
photography returns to the roots of the medium is evident here. The
absence of color removes distractions, urging us to focus on the
intricate interplay of light, texture and form.
The image transcends mere documentation, transforming into a
powerful commentary on how climate unpredictability distorts the
natural rhythm of familiar landscapes.
By capturing the unusual snowfall in his childhood landscape, Bruno
bridges past and present, nostalgia and alarm. The result is both
timeless and timely, beautifully reinforcing his artistic philosophy
and environmental message.
Park Bench
This photograph is a wonderful example of how one can go beyond
making a photograph as a straight portrait and give the viewer much
more information about the subject.
The technique that Boris uses is “gesture” …. capturing how this
woman expresses so much information by simply how she sits on the
park bench, tilts her hat and looks away from the camera.
She has a relaxed, almost contemplative pose, her black and white
outfit works well with the black and white format of the photograph.
The background is blurred, focusing the viewer on just the bench and
the woman.
Her hat is tilted, her arms are stretched out and she looks
comfortable…but what is the story of the photograph?
One can make all kinds of “stories” about what is going on, which is
the mark of a great photograph…. making you think about it more than
just a cursory look that many of us have when viewing an exhibition
of photographs and then walking on to the next photo. Looking at
this photo for a while, questions such as “who is she waiting for?”,
“is she happy or sad?”, "why is she sitting alone in a park?” along
with many others can come to mind.
The composition is excellent, the woman is not rigid but almost
fluid-like as she reclines on the bench, capturing and controlling
the entire length of the bench with her outstretched arms. She does
not sit upright but at an angle, adding to the composition and the
mystery of this photograph.
Trees in the Mist: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming This is
Tom’s first of three shows as a Visiting Artist. According to his
artist statement, he is focusing on the concept of "realism," aiming
to depict exactly what the photographer sees. A prime example of
this approach is his photograph
Trees in the Mist.
The image contrasts the upper three-quarters, which appear monotone
with cool light mist and blurred trees, with the warm golden hues of
the tall grass in the foreground. Together, these elements create a
serene and calming atmosphere. The
photograph was likely taken in late fall or early winter, before
snow blanketed the ground. The trees stand bare, yet the grass
remains upright, untrampled by winter's arrival. Unlike many
photographs with a distinct focal subject, Tom invites viewers to
see the forest itself as the subject. The golden grass acts as a
warm, welcoming introduction, drawing the eye into the forest and
encouraging exploration. The trees, evenly spaced, vary in size,
creating a dynamic rhythm that makes the viewer's gaze wander
naturally throughout the scene. The mist deepens the sense of
perspective, adding an ethereal quality to the image. It even sparks
curiosity—could there be critters hidden somewhere in the
background? Tom’s
choice of a wooden frame complements the natural elements of the
scene and enhances the image's overall presentation. Like many
accomplished photographers, Tom returned to this location five
times, waiting for the perfect light to bring out the softness and
tonal harmony of this intimate vista. Thank you, Tom, for sharing
this beautiful moment.
By Dick Bennett
Lower Falls Letchworth
Devin uses his experience as a seasoned photographer to capture this
black-and-white image of a dramatic natural scene of a waterfall
amidst rugged cliffs and dense foliage.
This photo uses leading lines effectively, with the river drawing my
eye from the foreground to the waterfall in the background. The
vertical cliffs on the left and the dense vegetation on the right
create a balanced frame, guiding me toward the central focus—the
waterfall.
The tonal contrast is well-handled, showcasing a broad range of
grays that highlight the textures of the rock, water, and foliage.
The mist rising from the waterfall adds a sense of movement and
drama, contrasting the stillness of the cliffs and trees.
Devin has captured excellent depth. The foreground detail
transitions seamlessly into the midground river and background
waterfall, creating a sense of immersion. The use of depth gives me
the feeling of standing within the scene, not merely observing it.
The texture of the rocks, rushing water, and foliage are sharp and
intricate. This detail enhances the natural feel of the scene and
draws my attention to the ruggedness of the landscape.
As with all of Devin’s work, this image excels in its technical
aspects and effectively conveys the beauty of a natural landscape.
By Don Menges
Rochester Abandoned Subway Patty Singer’s Rochester Abandoned Subway
-Johnson and Seymour Millrace captures the haunting beauty of an
urban relic frozen in time. The photograph’s black and white format
heightens its atmospheric quality, emphasizing the stark geometry of
concrete beams and the interplay of light and shadow within the
derelict space.
The reflective surface of the standing water adds a surreal depth,
doubling the scene and creating a mirror-like effect that amplifies
the sense of desolation and eeriness. Graffiti-covered walls inject
subtle bursts of expression and history, hinting at human
interaction with the forgotten infrastructure. The illuminated
archways in the background, spilling soft light into the darkened
expanse, act as focal points that draw the viewer deeper into the
frame, perhaps symbolizing hope or escape within the otherwise
oppressive environment.
Patty’s composition balances the weight of decay with artistic
precision, turning the abandoned subway into a visual narrative of
industrial decline and urban memory. The image is both a document of
Rochester’s past and a meditation on the intersection of abandonment
and artistry, where forgotten spaces can still inspire
contemplation.
Congratulations, Patty on your Gallery Pick.
By Marie Costanza | ||||||||||||
Image City Photography Gallery ♦ 722 University Avenue ♦ Rochester, NY 14607 ♦ 585.271.2540 In the heart of ARTWalk in the Neighborhood of the Arts |