Contrast and Similarity

CONTRAST AND SIMILARITY

Showing: June 21 to July 5, 2010
Opening reception: Tuesday, June 22, from 7:00 to 10:00pm

Art Square Gallery

334 Dundas St W, Toronto

Please note: All the images from this exhibition appear in The Galleries under the title of Diagonals and Precambrians.

Contrast and Similarity is a visual comparison between the diagonal architectural images of Toronto's skyscrapers and the dynamic abstracts of Precambrian rock formations. In the first, you’ll find bright colours, smooth surfaces, sharp lines, and geometric forms. In the second, more subdued natural colours, rough surfaces, and organic edges dominate. Together, they form a collection of bold, colourful, delicate, and powerful images.

Diagonals began as a casual study of Toronto's architecture. I started with simple snapshots but soon became fascinated by the lines, geometric shapes, patterns, textures, and reflections. I found the images grew stronger when photographed at a diagonal angle. Still, something more personal felt necessary—so I began altering the colours digitally. I've always been intrigued by contrast and bright colours, and by applying them to these images, I felt they were complete.

Precambrians became a photographic continuation of Diagonals. These rocks were once in liquid form nearly four billion years ago. As they cooled, layers of pink and grey took shape. When construction and road-widening projects cut through the Precambrian Shield along Highway 69 near Parry Sound, they exposed dynamic and abstract rock formations. Again, strong lines, patterns, textures, and shapes—this time created by nature and human intervention—inspired me.

DISPLAY and OPENING RECEPTION

This first exhibition was a true learning experience. A big THANK YOU to my wife, family, friends, those who purchased photographs, everyone who left a comment in my guestbook, and all who came to see the show. A special THANK YOU to my niece Amanda, who was the official photographer for the night.

Here are some snapshots of the photo display and the opening reception: