PATRICIA HEAL - NATURAE

May 9 - June 24, 2007

The Robin Rice Gallery announces Naturae, an exhibition of photographs by Patricia Heal. An opening reception will be held May 9, 2007 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The show runs through June 24, 2007.

Naturae (the name is inspired by systema naturae, a classification of plants based on their sexual parts that was published by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1735) is Patricia Heal’s examination of the flower in all its strange and alluring beauty. The exhibition includes images such as Aglaophotis I and Aglaophotis II. Portrait-like in their focus on structure and bold detail, these photos evoke the work of Robert Mapplethorpe. Others such as Papaver Gemma, and Lilium calia appear to be inspired by images of flowers found in old, much-handled botanical reference books and manuals, vintage and nostalgic in appearance yet utterly modern in the way they are captured by Heal’s camera.

Long intrigued by flowers, Patricia Heal shoots the seasonal flora she selects at local markets, photographing them using a large-format 8 x10 camera that renders each image (framed in oversized shadow boxes) In sensual and subdued muted reds, mossy browns and dirty greens, earth tones that, despite their somber palette, demonstrate the bright and blooming, ethereal quality of flowers.

Patricia Heal was born in England where she studied art and Theater. After she received her degree in photography she moved to new york. Currently Heal works for leading editorial and commercial clients and shares a studio (along with their bulldog moses oliver dudley) with her husband, fellow photographer Anthony cotsifas. She has received numerous awards, among them 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 6th solo show at the robin rice gallery.