All the World's a Stage - Apex Gallery.

I have been trying to produce a well rounded blog and show not only how my technical ability has improved but also that I have been proactive in viewing and analysing others work. I feel that I have let my good intentions slip slightly as I have had various issues to deal with at home and work.

I have decided once again to step up my efforts and visited two galleries in one day. The first was the Apex Gallery in Bury St Edmunds which is actually situated in the Arc shopping centre.

Their current exhibition "All the World's a Stage" highlights some of the UK's fine-art photographers. There was a wide range of subject matter and techniques displayed including portraiture, the theatre, rural and urban landscapes. The exhibition featured work by Graham Portlock, Benjamin Mathers, Paul Cooklin, Dibs McCallum and Penny Morgan and centres around challenging the viewer to look again at things that we take for granted.

After researching online I have managed to find some of the images on display via The Apex Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/pages/Apex-Gallery/119714374798532.

 

 

 

Time for a Pint - Graham Portlock.

 

I actually recognised this scene. It has been shot in Bury St Edmunds and the pub on the right is The Nutshell, the worlds smallest pub. I really like the variety of tones shown throughout the image from the bright streetlights to the dark sky, and all the shadows in-between.

 

 

 

Tractor - Benjamin Mathers.

 

Now I really cannot make up my mind about this image. I think the problem I have with it is that subject matter and I don't really 'get' what Mathers is trying to tell us. I do however quite like the composition as the tree on the right tries to balance out the frame.

 

 

 

Sleeping Dog, Havana - Paul Cooklin.

 

This image intrigued me as I was initially unsure what the subject was until I saw the title of the image. I think that once the viewer is aware, this shot fulfils what the exhibition is trying to show with regards to encouraging the viewer to look again at things that we take for granted.

 

 

Photograph of Norwich Skyline - Dibs McCallum.

 

This has to be one of my favourite images in the exhibition. I really like the contrast between the industrial scaffolding and the Cathedral and how the scaffolding creates a picture frame effect. The warmth coming from the houses provides depth and a pleasing effect.

 

 

 

Into the Light - Penny Morgan

 

I wanted to include this photo as it has a different style to the others I have shown. This is the first to actually have a figure at the focal point. Displaying the shadow of a woman almost gives this shot a hazy feel.

 

I really enjoyed this exhibition and think that it is very important to try and view as much of other photographers work as possible. I love exploring new ideas and techniques and finding way to develop my own style.