Alchemists: Unusual processes and mediax
29 April to 30 May 2010
Christophe Dillinger, Nicolas Gonzalez, Catlin Harrison, Marysia Lachowicz, Jo Mills, David Rann
The Viewfinder Photography Gallery presented a group exhibition of photographic images created using alternative techniques, cameras and media. Taking inspiration from painterly approaches, ‘pure’ photography and specialist printing techniques, these photographers challenge the potential ease and speed of producing a digital image, and defy picture-perfect effects in favour of more whimsical and mysterious images. The photographers present us with an eclectic set of striking images: from ghosts and mirror worlds to coastlines and portraits.
Accompanying workshop: Poetic Photographs
Sunday 9 May 2010
Poet and photographer Elizabeth Gowing read the poem she has contributed to the exhibition catalogue, and a selection of other poems relating to the exhibition. Participants were invited to take their own photographs inspired both by the exhibition and by Elizabeth's poem.
The photographs taken on the day will be uploaded at the gallery and projected, and viewed as a group. Participants selected three of their photographs to be published on a dedicated workshop page.
Participants were also be offered the opportunity to mull over the poems for longer, and email photographs in later. This option allowed for both immediate responses on the day, and more considered responses over the following weeks.
For the results of the pilot 'Poetic Photographs' event, please see here. To see Elizabeth Gowing's work, visit elizabethgowing.com.
This workshop was funded by the Capital Community Foundation and Grassroots Grants.
Performances and film in the gallery
Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May
Following the success of the 'Picture the Moment' performance in 2009, the Viewfinder again hosted three evenings of live performance in the gallery.
Part of Museums at Night, this event featured dance theatre/live art, an interactive installation and short films curated and performed by local artists, sharing an exploration of private histories and home.
“I want rooms where rituals have taken place and memories have accreted and left ineradicable impressions” Barbara Grizzuti Harrison
Click here for the Programme of Events.
Entrance was free, and no booking was required.
Exhibition catalogue
Visit the shop page to preview the exhibition catalogue, available as a digital publication (free) or in print (£2.50).
Press Release
Click here for the link to the press release.