On Saturday we visited the Anne Neilson Fine Art Gallery to check out their first photography exhibition, Through the Lens. The exhibition which runs through February 2nd, features the work of eight photographers in a wide variety of subjects from brightly colored coastal scenes by artists Dean West and Thomas Hager, to photos of well known French monuments by Fred Bettin.
Directly as you enter the gallery, two large works by self-taught photographer Pam Moxley immediately garner your attention. The photographs are aptly titled Storyteller I and Storyteller II and featuring a girl in a polkadot dress holding a vintage camera. Even as I was leaving the gallery it was impossible to decide which one I loved more.
Storyteller I – Anne Neilson Fine Art
The Storyteller II
Dean West
A wide range of environments and character types are explored in the works of New York City based Dean West. The Australian born (1983) artist who studied at the Queensland College of Art, is best known for his intricate and highly staged photographs that take everyday occurrences beyond the realm of natural reality. Extraordinary in their tonal range, digital clarity and artistic vision, West’s meticulously choreographed scenes, character studies, and atmospheric landscapes powerfully yet synthetically link need to desires and documentation to invention. – Anne Neilson Fine Art Gallery
SK2 – Anne Neilson Fine Art
I loved the vintage look of these stunning black and whites by Josef Hoflehner which worked well when surrounded by the colorful works of Dean West and Thomas Hager.
Josef Hoflehner
Josef Hoflehner was born in 1955 in Wels, Austria. Although his native country could boast awesome mountains, it had no coastlines, desserts or empty spaces where one had an unobstructed view of the horizons.
It is precisely these unimpeded views that have fascinated Hoflehner from the very beginning. Known for his dramatic black and white landscape and subtle color images, at the age of 20 Hoflehner abandoned his 9 to 5 job in Johannesburg and begin to travel within South Africa, shooting and experimenting with his newly purchased camera. – Anne Neilson Fine Art Gallery
Jet Liner #57, St Maarten
Bus Stop Santa Barbara, California
Thomas Hager
Thomas Hager is constantly pushing the boundaries of the photographic medium using histroric photography processes, painting techniques and the latest photography technology.
With his visual explorations of time and beauty, Hager continues to pay homage to art history while creating original photographic innovations. – Anne Neilson Fine Art
From Left to Right: Tide by Design – 7, Blue Lagoon with Seascape, Blue Storm with Waterscape, Landstraction -1
Fred Bettin
Photography was my escape courses back in the 70’s while in college. Learned dark room, composition, the basics. It’s always been my passion, but I didn’t really get back to it until 13 years ago when digital cameras were worth the investment. I do not have the time needed to promote my work due to running my business. Since I’m reaching that certain age of retirement soon, I plan to make my passion my life. Looking forward to any constructive critique from professionals. – LensCulture
The Gem of Paris – via Anne Neilson Fine Art
From Left to Right: Grand Staircase, The Gem of Paris, Garden Perfection
Arc de Triomphe – via Anne Neilson Fine Art
Edwina Willis Fleming
Edwina was born in the English countryside and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina early in 1997. She is a mother of four gorgeous children and a lover of all animals. Most recently she made a permanent move to Chester, South Carolina so she can immerse herself in the beauty of natural landscapes and the country life on a daily basis. She has spent the last 20 years enjoying photography as a way to catch the spirit of nature and animals through the lends. She believes that animals are our greatest teachers and healers if only we would observe and listen to them. Currently studying a diploma course in animal communication and healing in England, Edwina is looking forward to using these skills in hopes of starting an animal rescue sanctuary at her farm. She loves to capture the equine spirit of horses and is in awe of the profound lessons they provide us with if we are willing to tune in. – Anne Neilson Fine Art Gallery
Highlights – via Anne Neilson Fine Art
It was amazing to see both the equestrian and nature photography by Edwina. The painting above can also be illuminated with lighting from behind.
Illumination – via Anne Neilson Fine Art
Pam Moxley
Pam Moxley, a self-taught artist, has spent the last twenty one years pursuing her fascination with photography and mixed media. She is best known for her taut black and white and sepia-toned images which are simple in composition yet complex in theme. Her works are inspired by her own childhood and watching the growth of her four children. Each of her works are created to remind the viewer of their own time as a child, when they embraced life with unbridled moxie. – Anne Neilson Fine Art Gallery
Masked III & Deep Breath
Masked III – Anne Neilson Fine Art
Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil
Laurie Tennent
Artist Statement… Complexity of character, masculine and feminine, intimate yet bold, sensual yet strong. My photographs are an exploration of these dualities. By exaggerating the inner architecture of plant life, I offer the viewer a chance to become confronted by and immersed in nature. – Laurie Tennent
Magnolia – via Anne Neilson Fine Art
Dogwood
* All photographs of the exhibition where taken by myself unless otherwise noted.
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