Marcy Palmer, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Zak van Biljon
Marcy Palmer, Elegant Petals, 2018, 24k gold leaf on vellum, Courtesy of PDNB Gallery, Dallas, TX
Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery | Marcy Palmer: That Luscious Day, October 14, 2023 – November 25, 2023
“Marcy Palmer’s suite of gold leaf photographs explore the subject of beauty. She takes botanical photographs, mostly flowers, and then gilds them to emphasize their preciousness. Marcy is inspired by this quote by John O’Donohue,
““I think that beauty is not a luxury, but that it enobles the heart and reminds us of the infinity that is within us.”
“During the pandemic so many of us sought inspiration and comfort in nature. Our attraction to local flora was amplified. Perhaps this is why the work resonates, the beauty is profound.
“These are mostly small, exquisite photographs that are gilded with 24k or 18k gold leaf. Marcy identifies the early botanical images by Anna Atkins as a major influence, as well as Karl Blossfeldt’s important plant studies.
“PDNB is including Marcy’s abstract series, Unearthing. These expressive images can be viewed as documented performance art. She is pulling string, mixing organic matter, wire and other elements into a punctured, painted backdrop with colorful light shining through.
“These images convey tension, joy, chaos of the natural and her imagined world. Given the gallery’s previous show of early abstract photography, this is a continuing exploration of contemporary abstract photography.”
For more information visit PDNB Gallery
Hiroshi Sugimoto, UA Playhouse, New York, 1978. © Hiroshi Sugimoto, courtesy of the artist.
Hayward Gallery | Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine, October 11, 2023 – January 7, 2024
“Over the past 50 years, Hiroshi Sugimoto has created some of the most alluringly enigmatic photographs of our time: pictures that are precisely crafted and deeply thought-provoking, familiar yet tantalisingly ambiguous. Featuring key works from all of the artist’s major photographic series, this survey highlights the artist’s philosophical yet playful inquiry into our understanding of time and memory, and the ambiguous character of photography as a medium suited to both documentation and invention.
“The exhibition also includes lesser-known works that illuminate the artist’s interest in the history of photography as well as in mathematics and optical sciences. Often employing a large-format wooden camera, mixing his own darkroom chemicals and developing his black- and-white prints by hand, Sugimoto has repeatedly re-explored ideas and practices from 19th century photography, including subjects such as dioramas, wax figures and architecture. In the process, his work has stretched and rearranged concepts of time, space and light that are integral to the medium.”
For more information visit Hayward Gallery
Courtesy of Zak van Biljon and Luisa Catucci Gallery
Luisa Catucci Gallery | Zak van Biljon: Modernising Nature, October 13, 2023 – November 24, 2023
“Zak van Biljon, a South African nature photographer residing in Switzerland, enjoys global renown for his infrared photographs. When gazing upon his work, one embarks on a journey that leads to the discovery of an ethereal realm, thanks to the technique he has chosen to depict nature and landscapes. Infrared photography, often referred to as IR photography, is a captivating and distinctive genre within the world of photography. Unlike traditional photography, which captures visible light, infrared photography focuses on recording invisible infrared radiation. Ordinary landscapes undergo a transformation into diaphanous visions, revealing their innermost beauty in a manner that challenges conventional perceptions, transcending the boundaries of human vision.
“In an era marked by rapid urbanization and the omnipresence of technology, Zak van Biljon's work stands as a poignant testament to the evolving dynamics between humanity and the natural world. It challenges the notion that the flashy colours of neon signs and the bright lights of modern cities are distant from nature's colour palette. By using the infrared lens, Zak accomplishes what he calls "Modernising Nature," highlighting that at nature's core lies a stunning, vibrant pink-red hue that rivals the luminosity of the most modern urban signs.
“Through the contemplation of Zak van Biljon's art, individuals are inspired to rediscover the profound awe and reverence that nature evokes, motivating them to become better stewards of the environment. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power of photography to shape perspectives and inspire the stewardship of our natural world.”
For more information visit Luisa Catucci Gallery
