MOPA Open Show #5: An Evening of Exceptional Visual & Verbal Content.
- CM
- Aug 4, 2017
- 3 min read
Last week was Open Show #5 at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego; it was an intimate and open setting for conversation and artistic showmanship. Energy was in full while entering the museum, artists were front and center displaying their artwork for the public to see, open to one on one conversations. From black and white Storm-troopers and kaleidoscopic images, to out of focus aliens and short film flip books, a wide range of artistic talent was well represented.
The first artist to present was Bart Ross, and his collection “Modern Mandalas,” where he takes one image, organizes and interchanges it, until it becomes a completly different shape.
He creates multiple layers of an image with the use of Photoshop, his interest in architecture and mandalas are what fuel his inspiration for his pieces.
Ross spoke on his process, on how easy it is to get lost in the mix while layering his images. Once he reaches a “visual hit,” it is then when he's able to feel the emotion of the piece he created. In this moment, he's then able to move on to the next. He finds that his work is something that people can understand and enjoy, and that it's something he enjoys himself. My personal favorite was a vibrant red and blue image that to me, resembled a tribal painting. Ross later revealed that it was once a photo of a gas station.
For more information on Bart Ross and his work visit his website here:http://www.bartross.com/
Mickey Strider was the next to present his collection, "Geothermal." Drawn to the geothermal power plants of the Salton Sea, Strider's artistic process for most of his work begins with a late night stroll, past curfew.
He loves to shoot at night, saying that it allows him to "get into the zone." His love for capturing industrial scenery creates a haunting feeling, yet evokes a captivating emotion with a sense of relaxation.
For more information about Mickey Strider and his work go here:http://mickeystrider.com/
Will Gibson presented his collection, "Optical Abstractions," photographs comprised of silhouettes taken out of focus. Gibson said that he had "found a new world," through shooting out of focus. As one viewer pointed out, his work is comparable to the softness and blend-ability of "watercolors."
Most of this series Gibson said, is shot in highly lit areas, such as museums or galleries, which are the focal destinations in the production of his work. Gibson's photographs, in my opinion, are other worldly. They resemble graceful extraterrestrial beings from another planet, being watched in their natural habitat.
For more about Will Gibson's work and the artist himself, visit his website here: http://willgibsonphotography.zenfolio.com/
Poetically explained, Ashi Fachler's collection, "The Unflinching Eye," tells a story of a street photographer "on the front lines" of our zeitgeist.
His work is familiar to photos you would see in history books growing up, the only exception is that, he is capturing what's happening now in our cities and abroad. Ashi captures moments that any other person would look away or turn away from.
With the play of light and shadow, Ashi himself said that he "captures emotions." He is able to creatively steal an organically candid moment in time. His piece, that is now entitled, "Storm Trooper," became a viral social media sensation, due to the range of emotions it created, both within the scene and within it's viewers.
Ashi's "The Unflinching Eye," raises questions, inspires emotions, and expresses a natural artistic ability.
For more information about Ashi Fachler and his work visit his website here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ashi
Omar Lopex, a cinematographer, presented his trailer for his upcoming short film, "Ana Who They Pulled Out of the River," a film featuring an all woman cast.
With a love for the classics, Omar only shoots his films using vintage cameras. The preview of his trailer gave off an old world in a new world feel.
When asked what was the inspiration behind his film, Omar said, that he grew up in Mexico and sees the film as a "love letter to Tijuana," inspired by both personal and told stories. He wants to share his life experiences, as well as those of the people around him.
With a unique and creative passion for film and the old world, Omar's vision is both inspirational and daring.
For more information about Omar Lopex and his film "Ana Who They Pulled Out of the River", visit here: https://www.ana-film.com/about/
Open Show #5 was an inspirational evening full of artistic insights. The next Open Show will be held at the Museum of Photographic Arts San Diego on Thursday, October 19th. Be sure to check it out and visit http://www.mopa.org/ for other upcoming shows and events.
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