On Feb. 6, the George Fry Gallery welcomed the public to enjoy their new exhibition Perspectives.
Drew Gilbert, the studio coordinator of the Photography and Videography program, shared his enthusiasm for the show during his opening speech.
“The title of the show, Perspectives, is essentially a reference to the fact that each of the artists has brought their own perspective to the show by sharing their art,” said Gilbert.
Every piece was unique, as it comprised landscapes, abstract images, fashion photography, portraits, conceptual imagery and multiple exposures.
The exhibition showcased student’s work from the Photography and Videography program at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD).
It also portrayed 25 artists’ cover techniques, analogue photography made in the darkroom, digital photography, experimental images and narrative cinema.
Perspectives celebrates the energy and creativity of every artist who has engaged with their love for photography.
Ross Kinney, a first-year student in the photography program at NBCCD, said he was excited to pursue a creative career after graduating from St. Thomas University a few years ago.
“Being able to put some of what we’ve learned and our own creativity to it, it’s a great opportunity,” he said.
His photography is a conceptual piece that comprises three images in one composition. Kinney said he drew inspiration from an exhortation by 20th-century writer Samuel Beckett.
Kinney’s work Ever Tried is about “responding to failure” and “persevering.”
“I just found his work to be provocative and I wanted to put some imagery around,” he said.
Sofia Lucas, an international student from Ecuador, also displayed her pieces that focused on “chemigrams.”
Chemigrams are a form of photographic art that involves applying chemicals to paper unprotected by resist material. The paper reacts to the chemicals, creating colourful patterns and images.
Lucas said her love for photography comes from the years she lived in the Galapagos Islands.
“I started to take pictures of the animals, the beach, the landscapes, the sunsets,” she said.
After finishing high school, she decided to come to Canada and study at NBCCD.
She said the college has helped her develop her skills by giving her art experience and exposure to exhibitions.
“I really like this college because it’s hands-on, so everything that we learn, we practice after class,” she said. “This first presentation in a gallery will definitely help me build more confidence about future expositions.”
Both Kinney and Lucas agreed the exhibition was a great opportunity for an emerging artist to gain exposure among the public.
“Having the experience of thinking through a piece and submitting it and how it’s going to be framed and presented is really valuable to learn,” said Kinney.
Perspectives will be on display until Feb. 26.
