FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Ars Contemporanea is pleased to present the manually developed photograph group exhibition “Analog: Park Joon, Min Kwon, Byung Gwun Choy, Yeon Sik Min”. The show will run from April 29th to May 14th, 2014 with an opening reception on Thursday, May 1st from 6-8pm.
In physics terms, a photograph is defined as “A picture of light and its radiant energy, including electromagnetic emissions, reflected from an object, and captured through light-sensitive recording materials.” The introduction of photography was a considerable shock to the art community. Its ability to reproduce images greatly influenced the development of painting. Because the camera lens’ performance was far more superior to the human eye, it accurately and minutely reflected reality beyond the human limitations of sight and awareness. Therefore, it continued to expand the human field of vision. In the case of traditional film photography, recorded film was developed using various chemicals.
While digital photographs currently surpass old film photography through its improved pixel performance, cleaner and sharper images, and the advantage to replicate and reproduce with ease, the value of analog photographs has not completely faded because of its ability to capture a different depth of colors and textures that satisfy old film enthusiasts. By embracing the analog process, these four photographers have conducted the progression of their work in its entirety, from shooting to film development. In today’s digital photography trend, let’s discover what can truly show us the raw power of color and texture and its resulting depth of flavor: analog photography.
In his cityscapes, Park Joon juxtaposes the bleakness of industrialization with the rays of light that pierce the sky at dawn. Initially, immigrants struggle to blend into the native community of NYC and feel ostracized in their minority. But as outsiders looking in, many fantasize of achieving the American Dream. Having experienced this conflict himself, Park confronts the fantasy with reality.
Min Kwon’s “Winter - the Way to You,” is a series of manually developed black and white photographs that represent the surreal and simple beauty of nature with minimal composition. His blend of modernism with analog photography contrasts the stark white snow with living pine trees to create a nostalgic fantasy.
Byung Gwun Choy explores the passage of time in his works. With repeated exposure to his stills, he creates layers of movement that embody the transient residue of life in each image.
Yeon Sik Min’s M series pursues techniques of Chinese ink painting in his black and white photographs of winter trees. The absence of color captures the dissonance of trees and reality; yet the simple harmony of black and white dares us to recover our lost humanity in its bleakness.
For More Information:
Please contact Ars Contemporanea, 526 West 26th Street, #310, New York, NY 10001, arecontemporanea1@gmail.com , 212.206.0006 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 212.206.0006 end_of_the_skype_highlighting