The Photographers 2014
Osborne Samuel and Beetles+Huxley, London
Whilst a number of galleries across the city are hosting major exhibitions (often matched by major investments in admission fees) two private galleries are jointly showing a collection of 160 of the most recognisable photographs ever taken. Admission is free, though the exhibition catalogue lists the price to be paid if you wish to own a work with authentic Benjamin aura.
This exhibition is spread across two galleries roughly 300m apart, one hosting contemporary work, the other showing historic work. The gallery describes the work as 'iconic', a much overused word within the world of art, though in case the term is entirely justifiable.
This exhibition is spread across two galleries roughly 300m apart, one hosting contemporary work, the other showing historic work. The gallery describes the work as 'iconic', a much overused word within the world of art, though in case the term is entirely justifiable.
After being welcomed into the elegant white walled and polished wooden floored gallery the first thing that your eye is dran to is that you are immediately facing a row of work by Robert Mapplethorpe, turning left and there is a Brassai photograph of a Parisian street walker, beautifully printed and framed in minimalist white, juxtaposed with Cartier Bresson leading onto Walker Evans. You have the overwhelming feeling that this is the gallery equivalent of the discovery of Tutankhamon's tomb, everywhere the glint of silver gelatin.
This was an exhibition that was thoughtful without being ponderous, many of the images seemed easy to read yet had many layers of meaning to be peeled back and inspected to reach final conclusions. The nuances of life in that part of Ireland are not simple, no matter how uncomplicated you may consider the rural lifestyle. Politics, religion, tradition and often fierce tribal rivalries in sports such as Hurling and gaelic football are all important, there is no transfer system in gaelic sports, once a Galway player, always a Galway player. Hembrough's work shows those nuances, those small quirks that make this place special, no easy task and one accomplished deftly.
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