Patricia Heal - Quiescence

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.