| |
Patricia Heal
May 6 – June 21 2009
Opening Reception May 6th, 5:30-8:30pm
The Robin Rice Gallery announces Quiescence, a solo exhibition
of photography by Patricia Heal. The opening reception will be held
May 6th, 2009. The show runs through June 21st, 2009.
A mixture of portraits and still lives, Heal’s latest photos
channel an older tradition of artistry with their classic composition,
lighting, and out-of-time imagery. Frequently echoing Dutch master
painters of the 17th century, many of the pictures almost appear to
be canvases that have been allowed to accumulate a patina of age over
countless years. However, the fact that these are indeed contemporary
photographs subverts perception and forces the viewer to question
what they are seeing and contemplate the creation process.
Viewed from a distance most of the images appear to be monochromatic,
but with a closer look, the subtle colors, especially those in the
still lives of flowers and fruit, reveal themselves gradually and
ripen in the mind's eye.
Heal's portraits of a solitary female figure convey a dignified silence,
as do the still lives, but a few of the images subtly confound the
classical impulses of the series with more surreal expressions. Pears
and grapes rise from the darkness becoming abstract, almost erotic;
a pile of morels looks as if it could have been painted by Hieronymus
Bosch, and taxidermied creatures take their place at the table with
purposes unknown.
Altogether, Quiescence is an exhibition of stillness and
subtle beauty, as well as mystery and dark pleasures.
Patricia Heal was born in England where she studied
art and theater. After receiving her degree in photography, she moved
to New York City. Currently, Heal works for leading editorial and
commercial clients and shares a studio with her husband, fellow photographer
Anthony Cotsifas and their bulldog, Moses. She has received numerous
awards, including the Society of Publication Designers Award for Photography,
the Communication Arts Photography Award, a Nikon/PDN Award, and a
Fuji Film Promotion Award. This is Patricia Heal’s seventh solo
show at the Robin Rice Gallery. To view the exhibition, please visit
www.robinricegallery.com.
|
|
|